Defining Calculations

Before delving into the wide expanse of calculations and how to build certain types of them, it is important to understand the definitions of the types of calculations and how they can be used across all Tableau platforms.

Data sources in Tableau can be supplemented within Tableau Desktop by creating new fields using Tableau’s calculated fields. Calculated fields involve writing out logic in Tableau’s own calculated field language, resulting in a new column/field that functions in the same way as any data source field with Tableau Desktop. Calculated fields can be used in views, as filters, within other fields, and so on. An example of a calculated field could be a data source breaking down orders with the cost price and the quantity purchased for each order. A total sales field is not included in the data source but can be created in Tableau using a calculated field that calculates order quantity multiplied by cost price.

Charts can be made...