The answer is eventstats sum(count) as total | eval percent = count/total*100. This is correct because eventstats adds a new field containing the sum of the count column across all results, preserving the original per-sourcetype rows, and then eval calculates each sourcetype’s percentage by dividing its count by that total. On the Splunk Core Certified Power User SPLK-1003 exam, this tests your understanding of the difference between eventstats, which appends aggregate values to every event, and stats, which collapses results—a common trap is confusing eventstats with addtotals or appendpipe, which handle row totals rather than column totals. To calculate the percentage of total events by sourcetype, remember that eventstats is your friend for adding a global total to each row without losing granularity. Memory tip: “eventstats keeps the details, then eval reveals the percentages.”
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.
You need to find the percentage of total events contributed by each sourcetype. Which command should follow index=* | stats count by sourcetype?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
eventstats sum(count) as total | eval percent = count/total*100
Option A is correct because eventstats adds a total count field across all events, then eval computes the percentage. Option B addtotals adds row totals, not a column total. Option C attempts to use sum in eval, which is invalid. Option D appendpipe adds a row with total, not a column, making the eval compute incorrectly.
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.
✗
addtotals
Why it's wrong here
addtotals adds row totals, not column totals.
✓
eventstats sum(count) as total | eval percent = count/total*100
Why this is correct
eventstats adds total column, then eval computes percentage per row.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
eval percent = count / sum(count) * 100
Why it's wrong here
sum(count) is an aggregation and cannot be used in eval without a prior stats.
✗
appendpipe [stats sum(count) as total] | eval percent = count/total*100
Why it's wrong here
appendpipe adds a new row with the total, not a column, so the eval will divide count by total only for that row.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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(count) as total | eval percent = count/total*100 — Option A is correct because eventstats adds a total count field across all events, then eval computes the percentage. Option B addtotals adds row totals, not a column total. Option C attempts to use sum in eval, which is invalid. Option D appendpipe adds a row with total, not a column, making the eval compute incorrectly.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1003 question wrong?
Identify which SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.