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Section 5 · Correlate signals

Exemplars link a metric spike to the exact trace without adding labels

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Take it further with traces

If you also collect traces, the same pattern extends to a third signal using exemplars. An exemplar is a trace ID attached alongside a metric sample, not as a label, so the metric stays low-cardinality while a latency spike becomes one click away from the exact slow trace.

  • Attach the trace ID to the metric as an exemplar, not a label.
  • Keep the trace ID on logs as structured metadata, so logs link to the same trace.

Exemplars require a tracing backend such as Tempo, and exemplar support enabled on your metrics data source.