Queries per Second (QPS)
Definition
Measure the number of requests per second.
QPS indicates how many requests occur or are processed within one second; the exact counting method must be defined.
Simply explained
A counter records how many jobs arrive or complete per second.
Why it matters in practice
The metric helps with capacity planning and load testing.
Example from business
A hypothetical search service measures incoming and successfully answered requests separately.
Limits and pitfalls
- High QPS alone does not indicate response time, error rate, or complexity.
Origin & history
The unit is used in databases, search systems, and web services.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Document measurement point, time window, and handling of errors.
Frequently asked questions
Are arrival rate and throughput the same?
Only if the system processes the load accordingly.
Sources
Editorially reviewed on: