Memory Metrics in vCOPS: Guest Active (KB) vs Guest Demand (KB)

[TheVMinator]

What is the difference between the following Memory Metrics in vCOPS:

Guest Active (KB)

and

Guest Demand (KB)

If I'm trying to see how much memory I need in an ESXi host based on how much memory my VMs have been actually using, which one should I use and why?

[mark_j · Accepted solution]

You would probably benefit by reading this thread:

Usage vs Demand

For planning purposes, we try to stick with the demand metrics, as contention #s are taken in to consideration for the computation to give you a fair indicator of 'potential' demand vs what is 'effectively' permitted.

[TheVMinator]

Great info - thanks again.