[TABLEAU] Comparing Items

Comparing Items

Comparing measures is typically what business intelligence is all about. But with Tableau, it is just as easy to compare items that are parts of a dimension. For example, how does the Eastern region compare with the West? How does product A compare with product B? Using table calculations, you can easily answer these questions. Create a view with the fields of interest Step 1 For this example, from the Dimensions pane, drag Region to the Columns shelf, and from the Measures pane, drag Sales to the Columns shelf. Step 2 To add a quick table calculation, right-click the measure and select Quick Table Calculation > Percent Difference. The table calculation shows how the items compare. Here the comparison is to the preceding region. For your analysis, it would be better if all items were compared to the same region. Step 3 Right-click the measure again and select Edit Table Calculation. Step 4 In the Table Calculation dialog box, in the Display the current value as a percentage of list, select First. Step 5 When finished, click OK. Experiment with other ways of comparing items To compare how products have sold in the four regions, from the Dimensions pane, drag Product 2 - Sub-Category to the Rows shelf. To sort products within a region, click the region name and then click one of the sort buttons on the toolbar. To change the reference item (in this case, the Central region), drag one of the regions to the left and drop it to the left of Central. The table automatically changes to reflect the change. To filter the table calculation: for example, to show only items that sold at least 10% more than in the reference region: Right-click Sales on Columns shelf and select Filter. In the Filter dialog box, select At Least. In the left text box, type 0.1. When finished, click OK. Add or remove fields from the rows or columns to quickly change the comparison and discover new things about your data