RRDtool
RRDtool is free, open-source software for logging and graphing time series data.
What RRDtool is
RRDtool is free, open-source software for logging and graphing time series data. It creates Round Robin Database files from configured data sources and archives, with older values cycling out as new data updates each archive. Built-in consolidation functions include AVERAGE, MIN, MAX and LAST. Specialized archives support Holt-Winters smoothing, confidence bands and detection of aberrant behavior. RRDtool works with shell scripts and applications written in Perl, Python, Ruby, Lua or Tcl; the distribution includes bindings for Perl, Tcl, Ruby and Python, while PHP and Node.js bindings are also listed for download. The documentation describes rrdcached as a caching daemon, and data can be exported in XML from one or more RRD files. It is distributed as source with binary distributions listed for Debian Linux, Solaris, HP-UX and Cygwin Windows. RRDtool runs on Linux, Windows and self-hosted deployments, and is available under GNU GPL V2 or later. The maker states that the software or modified versions cannot be sold under another license.
Good
- Free open-source license
- Round Robin retention archives
- Holt-Winters forecasting support
- Multiple language bindings
- XML data export
Watch out
- Self-hosted deployment
- Older values cycle out by design
- Data pre-filling does not guarantee correctness
- GPL licensing restrictions
Who it suits
RRDtool suits developers and administrators who need self-hosted time-series retention, graphing and command-line or language-based ingestion. It fits Linux or Windows environments using the listed interfaces.
Verdict
RRDtool provides configurable time-series storage, consolidation, forecasting and graphing through open-source tooling. Its retention model and self-hosted setup suit technical users who can work with its interfaces and GPL terms.
Plans and prices
From RRDtool's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| RRDtool | Free | Open source; GNU GPL V2 or later |
The facts
Each one read from RRDtool's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Caching
- The documentation describes rrdcached as a data caching daemon for RRDtool.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Consolidation
- Built-in classic consolidation functions include AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and LAST.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Data accuracy limit
- The create documentation says pre-filling an RRD makes a best effort to preserve data and does not guarantee data correctness.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Database
- RRDtool creates Round Robin Database files with configured data sources and archives.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Data export
- RRDtool can export data in XML format from one or several RRD files.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Data retention
- Round Robin Archives store a configured number of data values, with older values cycling out as the archive is updated.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- RRDtool is distributed as source and is also listed with binary distributions for platforms including Debian Linux, Solaris, HP-UX, and Cygwin Windows.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Forecasting
- Specialized archives support Holt-Winters smoothing, confidence bands, and aberrant behavior detection.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- RRDtool can be integrated in shell scripts and Perl, Python, Ruby, Lua, or Tcl applications.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Language bindings
- Perl, Tcl, Ruby, and Python bindings are included in the distribution; the download page also lists PHP and Node.js bindings.checked 11 Oct 2026
- License
- RRDtool is available under GNU General Public License V2 or later.checked 11 Oct 2026
- License limitation
- The maker says RRDtool or modified versions may not be sold under a license other than the GNU GPL.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Performance
- The maker describes RRDtool as a high performance system.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RRDtool is an open source data logging and graphing system for time series data.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker says it finances RRDtool work through customer-specific add-on features and support contracts.checked 11 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platforms
- The maker says RRDtool compiles on various Linux and Unix platforms and Microsoft Windows.checked 11 Oct 2026
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