Understanding Baselines for SQL Server Performance

What It Is

A SQL Server performance baseline is a snapshot of your system under normal load. It helps identify what is considered normal for that time of the day or week.

Why It Matters

• Detects deviations during incidents or after changes.
• Essential for capacity planning and root cause analysis if notable spikes occur outside of the norm, or if performance is lower than expected – possibly indicating that the SQL instance is not being used as much anymore.
• Also detects if something is happening outside of what normally happens

How to Spot It

• Use performance counters (CPU, I/O, waits, query duration).
• Monitor during peak and non-peak periods.
• Set baseline thresholds with SQL Diagnostic Manager.

How to Fix or Address It

• Document and store key performance indicators regularly.

Key Takeaway

A SQL Server performance baseline is your SQL Server’s “normal.” Without one, troubleshooting is guesswork.

How can Idera Help?

Use SQL Diagnostic Manager to automatically establish and compare SQL Server baselines. For more information on SQL Diagnostic Manager or to start a free trial, visit us HERE.