Book Image

Learning Tableau 10 - Second Edition

Book Image

Learning Tableau 10 - Second Edition

Overview of this book

Tableau has for some time been one of the most popular Business Intelligence and data visualization tools available. Why? Because, quite simply, it’s a tool that’s responsive to the needs of modern businesses. But it’s most effective when you know how to get what you want from it – it might make your business intelligent, but it isn’t going to make you intelligent… We’ll make sure you’re well prepared to take full advantage of Tableau 10’s new features. Whether you’re an experienced data analyst that wants to explore 2016’s new Tableau, or you’re a beginner that wants to expand their skillset and bring a more professional and sharper approach to their organization, we’ve got you covered. Beginning with the fundamentals, such as data preparation, you’ll soon learn how to build and customize your own data visualizations and dashboards, essential for high-level visibility and effective data storytelling. You’ll also find out how to so trend analysis and forecasting using clustering and distribution models to inform your analytics. But it’s not just about you – when it comes to data it’s all about availability and access. That’s why we’ll show you how to share your Tableau visualizations. It’s only once insights are shared and communicated that you – and your organization – will start making smarter and informed decisions. And really, that’s exactly what this guide is for.
Table of Contents (12 chapters)
8
8. Deeper Analysis – Trends, Clustering, Distributions, and Forecasting

Quick table calculations


Quick table calculations are predefined table calculations that can be applied to any field used as a measure in the view. These calculations include common and useful calculations such as Running Total, Difference, Percent Difference, Percent of TotalRank, Percentile, Moving Average, YTD total, Compound Growth Rate, Year Over Year Growth, and YTD Growth. You'll find applicable options on the dropdown on a field used as a measure in the view:

Consider the following example using the sample Superstore sales data:

Here, Sales over time is shown. Sales has been duplicated on the Rows shelf and the another SUM(Sales) field has the running total quick table calculation that is applied. Using the quick table calculation we can avoid writing any code.

Tip

You can actually see the code that the quick table calculations use by double-clicking on the table calculation field in the view. This turns it into an ad hoc calculation. You can also drag an active field with a quick...