Splunk Search

How to create a timechart based on index time?

DEAD_BEEF
Builder

I'm trying to create a timechart to show when logs were ingested. Trying to use _indextime but it doesn't seem to be working. What am I missing on my SPL?

Current query

index=web
| eval _time=strptime(_indextime, "%d-%b-%y %H:%M:%S") 
| timechart span=1h count by index
0 Karma
1 Solution

FrankVl
Ultra Champion

You shouldn't be putting a formatted string timestamp into _time. Splunk expects an epoch timestamp there (even though it usually presents _time automatically as a human readable string). So just try eval _time = _indextime.

View solution in original post

DalJeanis
Legend

_indextime is already in epoch. No conversion is needed.

 | eval  _time = _indextime  

skoelpin
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

Try strftime instead

index=web
 | eval indextime=strftime(_indextime, "%d-%b-%y %H:%M:%S") 
 | timechart span=1h max(indextime) by index

If you wanted to identify indexing lag, you can do this

    index=web
   | eval indextime=strftime(_indextime, "%s") 
   | eval diff=indextime-_time
   | timechart span=1h max(diff) AS diff
0 Karma

FrankVl
Ultra Champion

You shouldn't be putting a formatted string timestamp into _time. Splunk expects an epoch timestamp there (even though it usually presents _time automatically as a human readable string). So just try eval _time = _indextime.

Got questions? Get answers!

Join the Splunk Community Slack to learn, troubleshoot, and make connections with fellow Splunk practitioners in real time!

Meet up IRL or virtually!

Join Splunk User Groups to connect and learn in-person by region or remotely by topic or industry.

Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

Why Splunk Customers Should Attend Cisco Live 2026 Las Vegas

Why Splunk Customers Should Attend Cisco Live 2026 Las Vegas     Cisco Live 2026 is almost here, and this ...

What Is the Name of the USB Key Inserted by Bob Smith? (BOTS Hint, Not the Answer)

Hello Splunkers,   So you searched, “what is the name of the usb key inserted by bob smith?”  Not gonna lie… ...

Automating Threat Operations and Threat Hunting with Recorded Future

    Automating Threat Operations and Threat Hunting with Recorded Future June 29, 2026 | Register   Is your ...