Formula Used:
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CPU Utilization is the sum of work handled by a Central Processing Unit. It is also used to estimate system performance.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the proportion of time that the CPU is actively working on useful tasks compared to the total available time.
Details: Monitoring CPU utilization is crucial for system performance analysis, capacity planning, and identifying potential bottlenecks in computing systems.
Tips: Enter CPU Useful Time and Total Available CPU Time in consistent units. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is considered good CPU utilization?
A: Optimal CPU utilization varies by system and workload, but generally 70-80% utilization indicates good performance without overloading the system.
Q2: How is CPU utilization measured in real systems?
A: Operating systems typically measure CPU utilization by tracking idle time and active time over specific intervals using performance counters.
Q3: What factors can affect CPU utilization?
A: Number of running processes, process priorities, I/O operations, system interrupts, and hardware capabilities all affect CPU utilization.
Q4: Can CPU utilization exceed 100%?
A: In multi-core systems, utilization can exceed 100% when calculated as the sum of all cores' utilization. For example, 400% on a 4-core system indicates all cores are fully utilized.
Q5: How does high CPU utilization affect system performance?
A: Very high CPU utilization (above 90%) can lead to system slowdowns, increased response times, and potential system instability if sustained for long periods.