Load average counts processes that want CPU time (or are stuck in disk wait). The three numbers — 1, 5 and 15 minutes — show the trend: rising, stable or recovering.
Interpretation depends on core count: load 8 on an 8-core server means full utilisation; the same load on 2 cores means a long queue. Sustained load above the core count is the classic sign the server is overwhelmed — the next question is always which process or account causes it.
Frequently asked questions
What load average is “too high”?
As a rule of thumb, trouble starts when load persistently exceeds your CPU core count — e.g. above 8 on an 8-core VPS.
Can disk problems raise load average without CPU usage?
Yes — processes blocked in disk I/O count toward load. High load with low CPU usually points at IO-wait, not the processor.