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CPU load and %CPU don't add up in Activity Monitor

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

Posted on Nov 1, 2021 1:11 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 1, 2021 1:33 PM

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

https://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/how-to-use-activity-monitor-to-troubleshoot-problems-on-a-mac/

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CPU load and %CPU don't add up in Activity Monitor

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