How to Add a Calculated Field in Tableau
In Tableau, a calculated field is a powerful feature that allows you to create new fields based on existing data. It can be used to perform calculations, create formulas, or derive new information from your dataset. Adding a calculated field can greatly enhance the functionality and insights you can gain from your visualizations. In this article, we will guide you through the process of adding a calculated field in Tableau.
Step 1: Open Your Tableau Workbook
The first step in adding a calculated field is to open your Tableau workbook. You can do this by double-clicking on the workbook file or by launching Tableau and opening the workbook from the file menu.
Step 2: Access the Calculated Fields List
Once your workbook is open, you will need to access the Calculated Fields list. This can be found in the bottom left corner of the workbook window. Click on the arrow next to the Calculated Fields list to expand it.
Step 3: 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 enter the formula for your calculated field.
Step 4: Enter the Formula
In the new window, you will see a field for entering the formula. You can use the formula editor to write your calculation. Tableau provides a variety of functions and operators that you can use to perform calculations. For example, you can use arithmetic operators like addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (), and division (/) to perform basic calculations.
Step 5: Save the Calculated Field
After entering the formula, click the “OK” button to save the calculated field. Tableau will then create the new field in your dataset, and you can start using it in your visualizations.
Step 6: Use the Calculated Field in Your Visualization
Now that you have created a calculated field, you can use it in your visualizations. To do this, drag the calculated field from the Calculated Fields list into the view where you want to use it. For example, you can add a calculated field to a bar chart or a line chart to visualize the results of your calculation.
Step 7: Customize the Calculated Field
You can further customize your calculated field by using the context menu. Right-click on the calculated field in the view and select “Edit” to open the formula editor again. Here, you can modify the formula or add additional calculations as needed.
Conclusion
Adding a calculated field in Tableau is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance the capabilities of your visualizations. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create new fields based on your data and gain deeper insights from your Tableau workbooks. Happy analyzing!
