What is Load Average and how to interpret it?

Load Average is a metric that shows the average number of processes waiting to be executed (in the queue for CPU or in the running state) over specific time intervals (usually 1, 5, and 15 minutes).

Interpretation:

• The Load Average value roughly equals the number of processes actively using the CPU or waiting for it.
• If the Load Average is less than or equal to the number of available CPUs (cores), the system is operating normally.
• If the Load Average significantly exceeds the number of cores, the load is too high, processes are waiting to be executed, and delays may occur.

For example, if you have 4 cores and the Load Average is 2.5 — the system is loaded but coping. If the Load Average is 10 — the load is too high.

Command to view Load Average in Linux:

uptime

or

cat /proc/loadavg

It is important to note that Load Average reflects not only CPU but also processes waiting for input/output.