The correct answer is to retrieve the average count of block blobs per hour. This is because the Azure Monitor metric query applies the ‘avg’ aggregation function to the ‘BlobCount’ metric, which calculates the mean number of blobs over each time granularity, such as an hour, rather than summing the total or filtering by a specific storage tier. On the DP-203 exam, this type of query tests your understanding of how Azure Monitor metrics and aggregations work for storage accounts, often appearing in exhibits where you must distinguish between average, total, and count-based queries. A common trap is confusing the average blob count per hour with the total blob count, but remember that ‘avg’ always normalizes the data over the time window. Memory tip: “Avg over time gives the mean, not the sum—think hourly rhythm, not total volume.”
DP-203 Practice Question: Monitor and optimize data storage and processing
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of monitor and optimize data storage and processing. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To retrieve the average count of block blobs per hour.
The query uses the 'avg' aggregation on the 'BlobCount' metric, which calculates the average number of blobs over the specified time granularity (e.g., per hour). The result shows the average count of block blobs per hour, not the total count or the count in a specific tier. This aligns with option D, as the query is designed to retrieve the average count of block blobs per hour.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
To calculate the average number of block blobs in the hot tier.
Why it's wrong here
No filter on access tier is applied.
✗
To identify the time period with the highest blob count.
Why it's wrong here
Query returns average per hour, not max over time.
✗
To measure the total size of all block blobs in the account.
To retrieve the average count of block blobs per hour.
Why this is correct
Metric BlobCount with aggregation Average and filter on BlobType equals BlockBlob.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'avg' with 'sum' or 'max', leading them to incorrectly think the query calculates total blob count or identifies peak periods, rather than recognizing that 'avg' specifically computes the average value over the time granularity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure Monitor metrics for storage accounts include 'BlobCount' as a metric that tracks the number of block blobs in the storage account. The 'avg' aggregation computes the arithmetic mean of data points sampled over the time interval (e.g., every hour), which is useful for understanding typical load patterns. In contrast, 'sum' would give the total count over the period, and 'max' would identify peaks, but the query explicitly uses 'avg' to smooth out fluctuations and provide a baseline average per hour.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-203 question in full detail.
Monitor and optimize data storage and processing — This question tests Monitor and optimize data storage and processing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: To retrieve the average count of block blobs per hour. — The query uses the 'avg' aggregation on the 'BlobCount' metric, which calculates the average number of blobs over the specified time granularity (e.g., per hour). The result shows the average count of block blobs per hour, not the total count or the count in a specific tier. This aligns with option D, as the query is designed to retrieve the average count of block blobs per hour.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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