
Overview
Build, optimize, and execute at scale
Qiskit Runtime is our quantum computing service and programming model for building, optimizing, and executing workloads at scale using Qiskit.
Qiskit Runtime introduces primitives to seamlessly perform foundational quantum computing tasks with increased performance. Qiskit Runtime improves operational efficiency by offering a containerized execution environment.
Through controllable error mitigation and suppression, Qiskit Runtime enables users to manage the performance of hardware systems.
Qiskit Runtime demonstrates dramatic performance increases over previous approaches, offering up to a 120X speedup for some applications. With error mitigation, Qiskit Runtime demonstrates significant improvement on the quality of results.
Benefits
Primitives
Easily and efficiently define workloads with new, optimized primitive programs that perform foundational quantum computing functions. Input circuits to Sampler to output an error-mitigated readout of quasiprobabilities and identify your most relevant solutions. Estimator efficiently calculates and interprets expectation values of quantum operators required for many algorithms.
Research
Qiskit Runtime in action
Users are already demonstrating the power of Qiskit Runtime to support new avenues of research and speed executions across use cases. Explore these selected studies to see how Qiskit Runtime can drive outcomes.
- Scaling of the quantum approximate optimization algorithm on superconducting qubit based hardware
- VAQEM: A Variational Approach to Quantum Error Mitigation
- Evaluating performance of hybrid quantum optimization algorithms for MAXCUT Clustering using IBM runtime environment
- Max-cut Clustering Utilizing Warm-Start QAOA and IBM Runtime
Access Plans
Premium Plan
Access our most powerful and exploratory systems with shorter wait times and hands on service. Create and execute quantum programs at scale with Qiskit Runtime. Gain hands-on support and training — as well as curated access to the best minds in quantum computing via membership to the IBM Quantum Network.
Current Premium Plan systems:
- 27-qubit Falcon (core)
- 27-qubit Egret (exploratory)
- 127-qubit Eagle (exploratory)
Pay-As-You-Go Plan
Access our more advanced systems on an as-needed basis, and pay only for the quantum compute time you use.
- Access our most advanced core systems: 27-qubit Falcon R5 processors
- Pay $1.60 per runtime second with a credit card or IBM Cloud credits
- Build circuits in IBM Quantum Composer, IBM Quantum Lab, and Qiskit
- Build, define, and run large workloads using Qiskit Runtime
Open Plan
Run your first quantum circuits for free on cloud simulators and real quantum systems. Take advantage of the same feature-rich tools included in our Premium Plan.
- Use free cloud simulators (Statevector, MPS, Stabilizer)
- Access real 7-qubit and 5-qubit QPUs
- Build circuits in IBM Quantum Composer, IBM Quantum Lab, and Qiskit
- Execute workloads more efficiently in Qiskit Runtime
Technical services
Quantum Accelerator
The IBM Quantum Accelerator is our full-service offering for clients looking to build on access offered by the Premium Plan. Accelerator clients get personalized support plans to fully prepare for the coming impact of quantum on their industries.
Develop a roadmap to quantum readiness with our in-house experts. Build foundational understanding and skills. Identify key areas for potential quantum value in your business. Get to quantum-readiness in time to seize commercial value.

