Active cycle
An active cycle is a cycle classified as active for a named unit and metric. Elapsed cycles count the broader measurement interval, including its inactive time.
How it works
Normalizing a count by active cycles answers how busy a resource was while active. Normalizing by elapsed cycles includes the time it was not active. The exact active condition and aggregation come from the profiler’s metric definition.
Work through an example
In a toy trace with 100 elapsed cycles, 40 active cycles and work issued in 20 cycles, the two ratios are 20/40 = 50% and 20/100 = 20%. Both can be correct.
Where the term can mislead
Never compare an active-normalized rate with an elapsed-normalized rate as though they share a denominator.
Connect the idea
Take it into practice
Continue with the existing concept, apply it to an interview problem, or follow a course lesson. Access requirements are shown before you open a page.
New to GPUs? Start with the free execution-model concept.
Sources and scope
Examples here are teaching calculations, not measured GPU performance. Consult the linked documentation for the exact device, instruction and tool version. Source review: 25 October 2026.