Embodiments relate to dynamically allocating access to a shared resource based on quota shares. An aspect includes computing, by a client node, an expected size of quota shares needed by the client node based on a historical rate of resource consumption by the client node. The client node transmits a request for a count of quota shares based on the expected size. The client node receives an indication that the request for the count of quota shares is one of: granted, denied, and granted-in-part. The client node self-rules the shared resource based on the indication.