How to Concatenate in Tableau Calculated Field
Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool that allows users to create interactive and insightful dashboards. One of the key features of Tableau is the ability to manipulate and transform data using calculated fields. One common task in data analysis is concatenating text strings to combine multiple values into a single string. In this article, we will explore how to concatenate in Tableau calculated field, providing you with a step-by-step guide to achieve this task.
Step 1: Create a New Calculated Field
To concatenate text strings in Tableau, you first need to create a new calculated field. In the data source view, right-click on the Measures or Dimensions shelf and select “Create Calculated Field”. Give your calculated field a meaningful name, such as “Concatenated Text”.
Step 2: Use the CONCATENATE Function
Tableau provides a built-in function called CONCATENATE, which allows you to combine two or more text strings into a single string. In the formula editor of the calculated field, type the following formula:
“`
CONCATENATE([Field1], [Field2], [Field3], …)
“`
Replace [Field1], [Field2], [Field3], etc. with the actual fields you want to concatenate. You can also use variables or expressions to dynamically select fields for concatenation.
Step 3: Specify the Delimiter (Optional)
By default, the CONCATENATE function combines the fields without any delimiter. If you want to insert a specific character or string as a separator between the concatenated values, you can use the DELIMITER function within the CONCATENATE function. Here’s an example:
“`
CONCATENATE([Field1], DELIMITER(” – “), [Field2], DELIMITER(“, “), [Field3])
“`
In this example, the “-” character is used as a delimiter between [Field1] and [Field2], while the comma and space are used as a delimiter between [Field2] and [Field3].
Step 4: Test and Refine the Calculated Field
After creating the calculated field, drag it to the view or worksheet to visualize the concatenated text. If the result is not as expected, double-check the formula and ensure that the fields you are concatenating are in the correct order. You can also experiment with different functions and expressions to refine the calculated field further.
Conclusion
Concatenating text strings in Tableau calculated field is a straightforward process using the CONCATENATE function. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily combine multiple values into a single string, enhancing your data visualization and analysis capabilities. Whether you need to concatenate data for a specific report or create dynamic text fields for interactive dashboards, Tableau’s calculated fields provide the flexibility to achieve your goals.
