A system is provided for monitoring message queue data. The system includes a computer readable storage medium comprising a message counter component stored as a set of computer instructions executable by a processor. The counter component detects the outflow of messages comprising at least expired messages and at least received messages out of a message queue. The counter component differentiates the outflow of expired messages from the outflow of received messages. The counter component collects message queue data, wherein collecting the message queue data comprises at least counting the outflow quantity of expired messages or at least counting the outflow quantity of received messages. The counter component calculates at least one of a plurality of message counting metrics based on at least the message queue data collected over a period of time. The counter component transmits at least one of the message counting metrics to a message interface.