Default vs custom metrics in AWS - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What are default metrics in AWS CloudWatch?

Default metrics are pre-collected data points automatically provided by AWS services without extra setup. They show basic performance and health information.

beginner

What are custom metrics in AWS CloudWatch?

Custom metrics are user-defined data points that you send to CloudWatch to monitor specific things not covered by default metrics.

intermediate

Why would you use custom metrics instead of default metrics?

You use custom metrics to track unique or detailed information about your application or infrastructure that default metrics don’t provide.

beginner

Give an example of a default metric and a custom metric.

Default metric example: CPU utilization of an EC2 instance. Custom metric example: Number of user logins per minute in your app.

intermediate

How do default and custom metrics differ in cost?

Default metrics are free with AWS services. Custom metrics usually cost extra because you pay for the data you send and store.

Which of the following is true about AWS default metrics?

A They are automatically collected and free.

B You must configure them manually.

C They always cost extra.

D They only track custom application data.

Default metrics are automatically collected by AWS services and do not incur extra charges.

What is a custom metric in AWS CloudWatch?

A A metric that cannot be visualized.

B A metric automatically provided by AWS.

C A metric that tracks AWS billing only.

D A user-defined metric sent to CloudWatch.

Custom metrics are created and sent by users to monitor specific data not covered by default metrics.

Why might you create a custom metric?

A To track unique application events.

B To monitor CPU usage of EC2 instances.

C To reduce AWS costs.

D To disable default metrics.

Custom metrics help track unique or detailed events specific to your application.

Which metric type usually incurs additional cost?

A Default metrics

B Custom metrics

C Both default and custom metrics

D Neither default nor custom metrics

Custom metrics typically cost extra because you pay for data ingestion and storage.

Which AWS service provides default and custom metrics?

A AWS Lambda

B Amazon S3

C Amazon CloudWatch

D AWS IAM

Amazon CloudWatch collects and stores both default and custom metrics.

Explain the difference between default and custom metrics in AWS CloudWatch.

Think about who creates the metric and if there is a cost.

Describe a scenario where using a custom metric is better than relying on default metrics.

Consider what default metrics might miss in your app.