Hello,
I'm troubleshooting an issue with an application. When I look at Activity Monitor, the first three processes add up to over 100% yet my System and User levels are are only about 25%. Please explain why the sum of the Processes doesn't add up to the amount being used by the System and User. I am using macOS Monterey with a 2019 iMac but this was the same in previous OS versions.
Thanks,
iMac 27″, macOS 12.0
Because 100% is 100% on one core. If you have more than one core, total CPU can be as high as 100 times the number of cores
Because 100% is 100% on one core. If you have more than one core, total CPU can be as high as 100 times the number of cores
Thank you - that resolves my question. I understand the answer but find apple's labeling convoluted. Isn't the CPU composed of the cores? If I have 4 cylinders in my engine and the measure is % engine then most people would say 25% engine is not 25% of one cylinder.
CPU load and %CPU don't add up in Activity Monitor
