Whereas bullet graphs are the optimal type of gauge in Tableau because of their efficient use of space and their ability to show values past 100%, there are other engaging ways to display the progress toward a goal or prior period. The next three chapters show you how to make a variety of gauges in Tableau. For the purposes of this chapter series, I define gauges as chart types that show progress to a goal or comparison point.
If your primary objective is to communicate how much progress you’ve made toward hitting the 100% mark, and you don’t mind not seeing performance past the goal, you can stop the scale at 100%. This lends itself to some interesting design possibilities including the oft-maligned donut chart. Donut charts are criticized for inefficiently using dashboard real estate, stopping at 100%, and making it difficult for users to accurately assess progress to goal.
This chapter shows you how to essentially flatten out a donut chart, which will solve two of these three deficiencies. Plus, I show you a hack that allows you to round bars and the background scales. This is not an out-the-box design in Tableau, but I think it adds a touch of engagement to gauges.
Note
Related: Practical Tableau, Chapter 26, “How to Make Bullet Graphs” (O’Reilly, 2018)
How to Make Rounded Gauges
By the end of this chapter, you will be able ...
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