The basics of Tableau to be familiar with when building simple visualizations and analyses.
Follow along by downloading this workbook.
Connecting to a Dataset
- Under "To a File" in Tableau Desktop are some of the most common dataset file types you can select.
- You can also select "More..." if your dataset is in a different file type or if you don't know the file type of your dataset.
- Under "Saved Data Sources," are sample data sources to practice with.
- This includes "Sample - Superstore," which is used in the follow-along workbook liked above.
Measures (Green Pill) VS. Dimensions (Blue Pill)
Measures
- Quantitative data
- Sales
- Expenses
- Quantity
Dimensions
- Qualitative data
- Names / ID Numbers
- Locations
- Dates
Continuous VS. Discrete
Continuous
- Usually measures
- Exist on a spectrum with "in-between" values, even if they aren't explicitly shown on an axis.
Discrete
- Usually dimensions
- Often used for headers, showing data that has set points with no "in-between" values. Each value is distinct.
- Categories of things.
Data Types
In addition to the previous types, each field's data type can be edited by clicking the icon to the left of it in your data pane.
The data types are:
- String : This data is typically text, or contains both text and numbers in the same field.
- Number (decimal) : The data in this field frequently or always uses numbers with decimals.
- Number (whole) : The data in this field only uses whole numbers.
- Date : a field containing dates.
- Date & Time : A field containing dates and exact times.
- Boolean : True or false / yes or no / 1 or 0 (if the previous two examples are input using numerical identifiers). This data type has only 2 values, with each value answering a true or false question.
- Spatial : Used for locations. This can mean coordinates, names of specific regions, travel routes, distance, postal codes, etc.
- A data type that has been specified as a spatial will have the globe icon, but when clicked on, will show a string selection.
Filters
- Filters allow you to exclude certain of values from a field you’re using in a visualization.
- To add a filter to a worksheet, drag a field over to the filters card above the “Marks” card, and select which values you want the visualization to include/exclude.
- You can select your values using a general selection, a formula, or a set condition placed on the field.
Follow along with examples of simple charts to build using this workbook!