Mastering Parameters in Tableau with Superstore Data - "Top N Parameter"

Parameters in Tableau are like control knobs for your dashboards. They let users change values on the fly — switching measures, setting thresholds, or adjusting rankings — without editing the workbook.
When used well, parameters turn static charts into interactive decision-making tools.


When to Use Parameters

  • Let users switch between measures (Sales vs Profit)
  • Create a “Top N” list where N is user-defined
  • Build “What-if” scenarios
  • Set thresholds for highlighting values
  • Control calculations dynamically

Example: Create a Top N Customers Control

We’ll build a parameter that lets users choose how many top customers to see.

Steps:

  1. Create Parameter
    • Right-click in Data Pane → Create Parameter.
    • Name: Top N
    • Data Type: Integer
    • Current Value: 10
    • Allowable Values: Range (1 to 50)

Show Parameter Control

Right-click the parameter → Show Parameter.

Create Calculated Field
Name: Top N Filter

RANK(SUM([Sales])) <= [Top N Customers]

  • RANK() assigns a position to each customer based on their Sales total.
  • By default, RANK() orders from highest to lowest.
  • [Top N Customers] is a parameter the user controls (e.g., set to 10).
  • This condition checks:
    “Is this customer’s rank less than or equal to the value in [Top N Customers]?”
  • It returns True for customers in the top N by sales, False for everyone else.

Build the View

    • Place Customer Name on Rows
    • Place Sales on Columns
    • Drag Top N Filter to Filters → select True
    • Move the slider on the Parameter to instantly see more or fewer customers.

Result: You can dynamically change the number of top customers shown in your chart.

Can now dynamically change the parameter to only show the Top 15 customers by Total Sales
Author:
Zainul Abedin Natha
Powered by The Information Lab
1st Floor, 25 Watling Street, London, EC4M 9BR
Subscribe
to our Newsletter
Get the lastest news about The Data School and application tips
Subscribe now
© 2025 The Information Lab