---
title: "Dstat"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/linux/dstat/"
description: "Dstat: Real-time system monitor for CPU, mem, disk, net. Extends vmstat/iostat. Customizable stats, plugins, CSV output. Install & use."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2025-05-29"
last_modified: "2026-08-10"
---

# Dstat

#### Dstat: Installation & usage guide

#### What is Dstat?

Dstat is a versatile real-time resource monitoring tool that combines and extends tools like `vmstat`, `iostat`, and `ifstat`. It provides detailed, customizable output on system resources such as CPU, memory, disk, network, interrupts, and more. Output can be written to a CSV file for graphing and analysis.

#### Installation

**CentOS:**

```
yum install dstat
```

**Ubuntu:**

```
sudo apt-get install dstat
```

#### Common options

| Option | Description |
|---|---|

| `-c`, `--cpu` | CPU usage (user, system, idle, etc.) |
|---|---|

| `-C 0,3,total` | Specific CPUs |
|---|---|

| `-d`, `--disk` | Disk read/write stats |
|---|---|

| `-D total,hda` | Specific disks |
|---|---|

| `-g`, `--page` | Page in/out |
|---|---|

| `-i`, `--int` | Interrupts |
|---|---|

| `-I 5,10` | Specific interrupts |
|---|---|

| `-l`, `--load` | Load average (1, 5, 15 mins) |
|---|---|

| `-m`, `--mem` | Memory usage |
|---|---|

| `-n`, `--net` | Network usage |
|---|---|

| `-N eth1,total` | Specific interfaces |
|---|---|

| `-p`, `--proc` | Process stats |
|---|---|

| `-r`, `--io` | I/O requests |
|---|---|

| `-s`, `--swap` | Swap usage |
|---|---|

| `-S swap1,total` | Specific swap devices |
|---|---|

| `-t`, `--time` | Show time/date |
|---|---|

| `-T`, `--epoch` | Show epoch timestamp |
|---|---|

| `-y`, `--sys` | System stats |
|---|---|

#### **Other useful flags:**

- `--output file.csv` — Write output to CSV
- `--list` — List all available plugins
- `-a` — Equivalent to `-cdngy`
- `-f` — Expands device/interface listings
- `--float` / `--integer` — Force output type
- `--nocolor`, `--noheaders`, `--noupdate` — Format control

#### Plugins (Sample)

Dstat supports a wide range of optional plugins, including:

- `--top-cpu`, `--top-io`, `--top-mem` — Top resource consumers
- `--thermal`, `--fan`, `--battery` — ACPI sensors
- `--mysql5-*`, `--innodb-*` — MySQL performance
- `--net-packets`, `--disk-util` — Extended network/disk metrics
- `--wifi`, `--vmk-*`, `--vz-*` — Virtualization stats

Use `--list` to view all available plugins.

#### Arguments

- **`delay`** – Interval between updates (default: 1 second)
- **`count`** – Number of updates before exit (default: unlimited)

If `delay > 1`, dstat shows intermediate averages unless `--noupdate` is set.

#### Example commands

- Monitor disk, network, and CPU stats:

```
`dstat -dnyc -N eth0 -C total -f 5`
```

- View system impact with debug:

```
``dstat -taf --debug``
```

---

- Full system overview with top CPU process:

```
` `dstat -tcndylp --top-cpu``
```

---

#### Conclusion

**Dstat** is a versatile command-line tool for real-time system resource monitoring, serving as an enhanced alternative to tools like `vmstat`, `iostat`, and `ifstat`. It allows users to view detailed statistics on CPU, memory, disk I/O, network usage, system interrupts, load averages, and more, all in a customizable and easily readable format. Output can be written to CSV for external analysis or graphing. Installation is simple via yum on CentOS or `apt` on Ubuntu. Dstat supports a wide range of options and plugins, enabling deep insights into specific system areas, such as MySQL performance, ACPI battery stats, virtual machines, and top resource-consuming processes. Common use cases include correlating disk and network activity, monitoring process behavior, or assessing system load over time with the `--time`, `--cpu`, `--net`, `--disk`, `--sys`, and `--top-cpu` options.