Chapter 14. An Introduction to Parameters
As you make your way through Practical Tableau, and especially Part III, there is one functionality that you will hear about over and over again: parameters. Parameters are user-generated values that are not attached to a dataset, and due to their flexibility, are the solution to several of the handiest tricks in Tableau. Other than filters, parameters are also one of the most powerful tactics in Tableau for transferring control from the author to the end user. As discussed in Part IV, providing this type of user interaction not only improves the engagement with your dashboards, but it improves the retention of insights and improves the likelihood that they will be shared.
This chapter will use a simple algebra example to illustrate how to create a parameter, how to allow end users to control the parameter you’ve created, and how parameters work.
An Introduction to Parameters in Tableau
For this tutorial, imagine that you want to set up a simple equation for 2 multiplied by X, where X is the parameter, and the end user gets to choose the value of X. Tableau will then display the answer of 2 multiplied by X based on the parameter selection.
For this introduction, it does not matter what dataset you are following along with, but for consistency with the rest of Practical Tableau, I will be building a parameter in the Sample – Superstore dataset. There are several ways to create a new parameter in Tableau, including (a) clicking the down ...
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