Query waits trend
Published 16 June 2026
The Query waits trend page gives you a 28-day view of which queries on a SQL Server instance have experienced the most wait time. Use it to identify queries driving wait-time spikes over the last 28 days, then drill into a specific day to investigate individual hours. The Query waits trend graph appears as a tab on the SQL Server instance overview.
28-day chart
The chart shows a stacked bar for each of the last 28 days. Each colored segment represents one of the top queries, sized by its total wait time (ms) on that day. Queries are ranked by their total wait time across the full 28-day window. Use the drop down selector above the chart to switch between showing the top 5, 10, or 15 queries.
Daylight savings transitions
Each bars on the 28-day chart represent 24 hours. When the period displayed includes a daylight savings transition, some bars on the chart will not start and end at midnight. Hovering over a bar will display the start time if it differ from midnight.
Query color
Query colors are assigned automatically and may change between Redgate Monitor releases.
Query color is assigned based on the sql_handle, statement_start_offset and statement_end_offset from sys.dm_exec_query_stats, and the database.
Drilling down into a day
Click any bar in the 28-day chart to drill into an hourly view of that day. The chart updates to show 24 bars, one representing each hour, using the same query color coding as the 28 day view, re-ranked for the top queries on that specific day. A query that spikes on a single day but doesn't appear in the 28-day top N can surface here.
The breadcrumb above the chart shows the selected day. Click "28 days" in the breadcrumb to return to the full 28-day view.
What data is included
By default, top queries data is retained for one week. An administrator user can extend the retention period under Data retention settings.
Queries with no executions are excluded from the Query waits trend view.
This documentation contains proprietary information and is protected by copyright law.
Copyright © 2026 Red Gate Software Limited. All rights reserved

