- A
| eventstats perc95(response_time) by host | eval p95 = perc95
Why wrong: Invalid: without 'as', the resulting field is named 'perc95(response_time)', so 'perc95' is undefined.
- B
| eventstats sum(bytes) as total_bytes by src_ip | eval pct = bytes/total_bytes*100
Valid: eventstats adds the sum per src_ip, then eval calculates percentage.
- C
| eventstats avg(response_time) as avg | eval diff = response_time - avg
Valid: eventstats adds the global average, then eval computes the difference.
- D
| eventstats values(user) as users by session_id | eval num_users = len(users)
Why wrong: Invalid: len() does not work on multivalue fields; use mvcount() instead.
- E
| eventstats max(_time)last_time by user | table last_time
Why wrong: Invalid: missing 'as' between max(_time) and last_time, causing a syntax error.
Quick Answer
The correct choices are the searches using `eventstats avg(response_time) as avg` followed by `eval diff = response_time - avg` and the search using `eventstats sum(bytes) as total_bytes by src_ip` followed by `eval pct = bytes / total_bytes * 100`. These are valid because the `eventstats` command computes aggregate statistics—like averages or sums—and appends the result as a new field to every event, either globally or per group when using a `by` clause. This added field can then be referenced in a subsequent `eval` for per-event calculations, such as finding the difference from a global average or a percentage of a group total. On the SPLK-1003 exam, this tests your understanding that `eventstats` does not reduce the number of events like `stats` does; a common trap is confusing it with `stats`, which would remove the original event data. Remember the memory tip: “eventstats adds a stat to every event, stats removes events to show only the stat.”
SPLK-1003 Advanced Searching and Statistics Practice Question
This SPLK-1003 practice question tests your understanding of advanced searching and statistics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO of the following searches are syntactically valid uses of the eventstats command? (Assume all referenced fields exist.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
| eventstats sum(bytes) as total_bytes by src_ip | eval pct = bytes/total_bytes*100
Option B is correct because the `eventstats` command calculates aggregate statistics (here, `sum(bytes)`) over the entire result set or by group (here, `by src_ip`), and it adds the result as a new field (`total_bytes`) to every event. This allows the subsequent `eval` to compute a per-event percentage using that new field. Option C is correct because `eventstats` without a `by` clause computes the aggregate over all events and adds the result (here, `avg`) to each event, enabling the `eval` to calculate the difference from the global average.
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.
- ✗
| eventstats perc95(response_time) by host | eval p95 = perc95
Why it's wrong here
Invalid: without 'as', the resulting field is named 'perc95(response_time)', so 'perc95' is undefined.
- ✓
| eventstats sum(bytes) as total_bytes by src_ip | eval pct = bytes/total_bytes*100
Why this is correct
Valid: eventstats adds the sum per src_ip, then eval calculates percentage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
| eventstats avg(response_time) as avg | eval diff = response_time - avg
Why this is correct
Valid: eventstats adds the global average, then eval computes the difference.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
| eventstats values(user) as users by session_id | eval num_users = len(users)
Why it's wrong here
Invalid: len() does not work on multivalue fields; use mvcount() instead.
- ✗
| eventstats max(_time)last_time by user | table last_time
Why it's wrong here
Invalid: missing 'as' between max(_time) and last_time, causing a syntax error.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Splunk often tests the distinction between `eventstats` and `stats`, and the trap here is that candidates confuse the syntax for aliasing (missing `as`) or use invalid eval functions like `len()` instead of `mvcount()`, leading them to select options that look plausible but are syntactically incorrect.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `eventstats` command operates by scanning all events in the pipeline, computing the specified aggregate function (e.g., `sum`, `avg`, `max`) either globally or per group defined by the `by` clause, and then appending the result as a new field to each original event. This is different from `stats`, which collapses events into summary rows. A subtle behavior: when using `by` with `eventstats`, the aggregate is computed per group but still added to every event, which is useful for calculating percentages or deviations relative to group-level statistics without losing event granularity.
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 practitioner preparing for the SPLK-1003 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Advanced Searching and Statistics — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SPLK-1003 question test?
Advanced Searching and Statistics — This question tests Advanced Searching and Statistics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: | eventstats sum(bytes) as total_bytes by src_ip | eval pct = bytes/total_bytes*100 — Option B is correct because the `eventstats` command calculates aggregate statistics (here, `sum(bytes)`) over the entire result set or by group (here, `by src_ip`), and it adds the result as a new field (`total_bytes`) to every event. This allows the subsequent `eval` to compute a per-event percentage using that new field. Option C is correct because `eventstats` without a `by` clause computes the aggregate over all events and adds the result (here, `avg`) to each event, enabling the `eval` to calculate the difference from the global average.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1003 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This SPLK-1003 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Splunk certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SPLK-1003 exam.
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