> 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/count_distinct.md). # count\_distinct **Syntax** ```programlisting comp count_distinct() [as ] by , [addrawdata= true|false [as ]] ``` **Description** The `count_distinct` aggregation is a [comp function](/cortex-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/cortex-xdr-xql/stages/comp.md) that returns a single value for the number of unique values found for a field over a group of rows, for all records that contain matching values for the fields identified in the `by` clause. This 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. Use [count](/cortex-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/cortex-xdr-xql/functions/count.md) to retrieve the total number of values in the result set. **Examples** Return a single count of the number of unique values found for the `actor_process_image_path` field over a group of rows, for all records that have matching values for their `actor_process_image_path` and `actor_process_command_line values`. The query calculates a maximum of 100 `xdr_data` records and includes a `raw_data` column listing the raw data events used to display the final `comp` results. ```programlisting dataset = xdr_data | fields actor_process_image_path as Process_Path, actor_process_command_line as Process_CMD, action_total_download as Download | filter Download > 0 | limit 100 | comp count_distinct(Process_Path) as num_process_path by process_path, process_cmd addrawdata = true as raw_data | sort desc process_path ``` --- # 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/count_distinct.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.