In Tableau there are two ways you can group your data: creating a Group or a Set. But which one should you choose, and when?
The main difference: Groups are static and Sets are dynamic (but can be static as well). While your group members will always remain the same (unless you edit them manually), set members can update automatically based on your data.
Groups:
- always static, created manually
- can group only within a single dimension
- a new dimension is created after you make a group (no limit to the number of groups)
- processed as a standard dimension filter → can be used directly as a filter for users
When to use:
- useful for quick, one-time analysis or when you need a custom definition
- when the dimension values won’t change over time
Sets:
- can be fixed or dynamic
- can be created across multiple dimensions (but only for fixed sets; dynamic sets work within one dimension)
- much more flexible than groups
- binary outcome: IN or OUT
- processed before dimension filters (so they can drive other filters)
- can be created based on conditions (e.g., top N, thresholds, or calculated logic)
When to use:
- when you need your selection to update automatically with changing data
- when your analysis requires an IN/OUT split
- when you want to build more advanced logic, like combining multiple sets (Set Actions, Set Control, etc.)
Hope you found it helpful and see you in the next blog! 🙂