mtr Command
Intermediate Networking man(1)Combine ping and traceroute in a single network diagnostic tool
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📅 Updated: Mar 15, 2026
SYNTAX
mtr [OPTION]... HOST
What Does mtr Do?
mtr (My Traceroute) combines the functionality of traceroute and ping into a single real-time diagnostic tool. It continuously probes each hop in the network path, showing packet loss and latency statistics.
mtr is far superior to traceroute for diagnosing network issues because it provides ongoing statistics rather than a single snapshot. It shows packet loss percentage, average/best/worst latency, and standard deviation for each hop.
mtr is the tool network engineers reach for first when diagnosing connectivity issues. It quickly reveals where packet loss or latency spikes occur in the network path.
mtr is far superior to traceroute for diagnosing network issues because it provides ongoing statistics rather than a single snapshot. It shows packet loss percentage, average/best/worst latency, and standard deviation for each hop.
mtr is the tool network engineers reach for first when diagnosing connectivity issues. It quickly reveals where packet loss or latency spikes occur in the network path.
Options & Flags
| Option | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -r | Report mode (text output, then exit) | mtr -r example.com |
| -c | Number of pings per hop | mtr -r -c 100 example.com |
| -n | No DNS resolution | mtr -n example.com |
| -w | Wide report (show IPs and hostnames) | mtr -rw example.com |
| -T | Use TCP instead of ICMP | sudo mtr -T -P 443 example.com |
| -4/-6 | Force IPv4 or IPv6 | mtr -4 example.com |
Practical Examples
#1 Interactive trace
Opens interactive display with real-time hop statistics.
$ mtr example.com#2 Report mode
Sends 100 pings per hop and outputs a text report.
$ mtr -r -c 100 example.com
Output:
HOST Loss% Snt Avg Best Wrst
1. gateway 0.0% 100 1.2 0.8 3.4
2. isp-router 0.5% 100 5.6 4.2 12.1
#3 Wide report
Wide report showing both hostnames and IPs.
$ mtr -rw -c 50 8.8.8.8#4 TCP mode
Uses TCP port 443 — works through firewalls that block ICMP.
$ sudo mtr -T -P 443 example.com#5 No DNS
Fast report without DNS resolution.
$ mtr -rn -c 30 example.comTips & Best Practices
Look at loss patterns: Loss at one hop but not the next is usually harmless (router deprioritizes ICMP). Loss that persists to the destination is real.
Report for support tickets: mtr -rw -c 100 host gives a comprehensive report. Paste this when reporting network issues to your ISP or hosting provider.
Requires root for some modes: ICMP mode (default) often needs root. TCP mode (-T) always needs root. Use sudo mtr.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use mtr?
mtr hostname opens interactive mode. Press q to quit. For a text report: mtr -r -c 100 hostname.
How do I read mtr results?
Look at Loss% and Avg columns. Loss at intermediate hops is normal if it does not persist to the destination.
What is better, traceroute or mtr?
mtr — it provides continuous statistics and reveals intermittent issues that traceroute single snapshot misses.
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