> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/cortex-xdr-xql/functions/approx_quantiles.md). # approx\_quantiles **Syntax** ```programlisting comp approx_quantiles(, , ) [as ] [by [,...]][addrawdata = true|false [as ]] ``` **Description** The `approx_quantiles` approximate aggregate is a [comp function](/cortex-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/cortex-xdr-xql/stages/comp.md) returns the approximate boundaries as a single value for a group of distinct or non-distinct values (default `false`) for the specified field over a group of rows, for all records that contain matching values for the fields identified in the `by` clause. This function returns an array of `` + 1 elements, where the first element is the approximate minimum and the last element is the approximate maximum. Use this approximate aggregate function to produce approximate results, instead of exact results used with regular aggregate functions, which are more scalable in terms of memory usage and time. This approximate aggregate function is used in combination with a `comp` stage. In addition, you can configure whether the raw data events are displayed by setting `addrawdata` to either `true` or `false` (default), which are used to configure the final `comp` results. When including raw data events in your query, the query runs for up to 50 fields that you define and displays up to 100 events. **Examples** **Distinct Values Example** Returns the approximate boundaries for a group of distinct values in the `event_id` field. ```programlisting dataset = xdr_data | fields event_id | comp approx_quantiles(event_id, 100, true) ``` **Non-Distinct Values Example** Returns the approximate boundaries for a group of non-distinct values in the `event_id` field. ```programlisting dataset = xdr_data | fields event_id | comp approx_quantiles(event_id, 100) ``` --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/cortex-xdr-xql/functions/approx_quantiles.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.