Tableau Desktop Pocket Reference

Chapter 11. Calculated Fields

Calculated fields are custom fields created by a Tableau author. This feature has infinite applications, including the capabilities to do all of the following:

• Aggregate data in custom ways

• Clean up underlying data (such as inconsistent spellings)

• Use logic to create custom outcomes

• Segment underlying data without restructuring it outside Tableau

• Make Tableau do your math (for example, compute ratios)

There are three core types of calculated fields, each with its own unique uses and benefits:

• Basic calculations

• Table calculations

• Level of Detail calculations

This chapter provides an introduction and discusses applications of each type of calculated field.

Basic Calculated Fields

Basic calculated fields, the most common calculated field, fall into two categories: aggregate calculated fields and row-level calculated fields. The former aggregates multiple rows into single values, and the latter creates an outcome at an individual row-level.

Aggregate Calculated Fields

For the first example, let’s say we want to create a measure that counts the number of orders in the Sample – Superstore dataset. By default, there are no measures called orders, but we can create a calculated field that counts the distinct dimension members in the Order ID dimension. You can start a calculated field in multiple ways, including the following:

• Right-click in any blank space on the Data pane and choose Create Calculated Field.

• Click the down arrow ...