How do you create a calculated field in Tableau? Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool that allows users to explore and analyze data with ease. One of its most useful features is the ability to create calculated fields, which can help you gain deeper insights from your data. In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating a calculated field in Tableau, so you can start making more informed decisions with your data.
Creating a calculated field in Tableau is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. First, you need to open your Tableau workbook and navigate to the worksheet where you want to create the calculated field. Once you are on the worksheet, follow these steps:
1. Access the Calculated Fields List: On the left-hand side of the Tableau interface, you will find the Calculated Fields list. This is where all your calculated fields are stored. If you haven’t created any calculated fields yet, the list will be empty.
2. Create a New Calculated Field: To create a new calculated field, click on the “+” button at the bottom of the Calculated Fields list. This will open a new window where you can write your calculation.
3. Write Your Calculation: In the new window, you will see a field called “Name”. This is where you will give your calculated field a name. Below the name field, you will find a text editor where you can write your calculation using Tableau’s calculation language, which is based on JavaScript.
4. Use Tableau Functions and Operators: Tableau provides a wide range of functions and operators that you can use in your calculations. These include arithmetic operations, string functions, date functions, and many more. To use a function, simply type the function name followed by parentheses and any necessary arguments.
5. Test Your Calculation: After writing your calculation, click the “OK” button to save it. Tableau will then automatically apply the calculation to your data. You can verify that the calculation is working correctly by looking at the data in your view.
6. Use Your Calculated Field: Once your calculated field is created, you can drag it onto the view or worksheet just like any other field. You can use it in filters, measures, and even in other calculations.
Here’s an example of a simple calculated field that calculates the average sales for each region:
“`javascript
Average Sales = AVG([Sales])
“`
In this example, `Average Sales` is the name of the calculated field, and `[Sales]` is the field from your data source that contains the sales figures.
Creating calculated fields in Tableau is a powerful way to add context and depth to your data analysis. By following these steps, you can start creating your own calculated fields and unlock the full potential of Tableau’s data visualization capabilities.
