Does SQL calls in PHP count as hits?

[wackyblackie]

SQL calls are not a hit. A hit is any file that is loaded, like the ones you described. However, too many SQL calls at once could get you temporarily suspended for I/O overuse (I think).
You may benefit from reading this KB:

What does MySQL overloading mean

One of the limits InfinityFree enforces is how much you can stress the MySQL database server. This article explains what overloading MySQL means and how you can control it. What does overloading MySQL mean? Most dynamic websites use a database to store dynamic data, like posts, comments, products, accounts and so on. This data is stored on database servers. Your website can then interact with the database to see and modify the data stored in the database. The database server needs to do work t…