Tableau Waterfall Chart – Never

doubt the insights of waterfalls

In this tutorial, we are going to learn about an interesting chart, that is, a
Tableau Waterfall chart. Here, we will learn how to create a waterfall chart in
Tableau software as a stepwise process. You know what you can create your
first waterfall chart with us, by just following our guidance in a manner which
is shown in this article. All you need, as of now is a sample data set and
Tableau software in your device.

What is Waterfall Chart?

A waterfall chart represents a gradual transition of field values from a start
value to end value showing a running total with successive increments and
decrements. In a normal running total, we cannot see the contribution of each
category or contributing factor to the whole value.

But, in a waterfall chart, we can see how each category’s positive value
increments the total value and the negative ones decrement it and then finally
leads to a resultant value. This allows for an insightful analysis of how
individual elements of dimensions or measures are contributing to bringing a
total value of something.

Have you checked the Tableau Donut Chart recipe for maintaining your data
accurately?

How to Create Waterfall Chart in

Tableau?
Follow the steps given below to create a waterfall chart in Tableau Desktop:

Step 1: Open a New Worksheet in Tableau Desktop

Open a new worksheet in your Tableau Desktop. Make sure that you already
have your dataset downloaded.
We are using our Electronic store sales data. From our data set, we select
dimension; Sub-category and put it into the Columns section.

Step 2: Add Measure Profit and Change Mark Type

Next, we put a measure Profit in the Rows section.
Now we need to change our mark type to Gantt Bar. Select the Gantt
Bar option from the drop-down list in Marks card.

This will give us individual flat marks as data points on our plot. Next, we set a
quick table calculation for the measure SUM(Profit) present in
the Rows section. We add a quick calculation that is running total to
our Profit field values. To do this, we right-click on SUM(Profit),
select Quick Table Calculation and then select Running Total.
Step 3: Create New Calculated Field
Next, we need to create a new calculated field in tableau waterfall chart. For
this, right-click on the measure field, then select Create and then click
on Calculated Field.

Then, an edit dialog box will open where we define the condition for our field
and click on Apply. Here, we enter –[Profit] that is, negative of profit field
values. Also, we named the new field as “Waterfall sizing”. You can add a name
and condition as per your requirement and liking.

Step 4: Create Waterfall Bars

Now, we add our field Profit into Color card and Waterfall sizing into Size card
present in the Marks section. This will create waterfall-like bars instantly on
the plot.

Step 5: Add Duplicate Measure to Duplicate the Chart

Now we need to duplicate the chart that we have and to do this, we add a
duplicate measure field; SUM(Profit). This shows two fields in
the Rows section.

This will duplicate the chart and split the editing area into two. As you can see
in the lower half of the chart, the mark type is set as Gantt Bar.

We can also increase or decrease the thickness of the Gantt bars

through Size card. Now, we have two plots sharing the same x-axis and two
duplicated y-axis. All we need to do next is to combine or merge these two
plots into one.

Step 6: Merge the Two Plots into One

To merge these two plots into one, we right-click on one of the fields in
the Rows section and then select Dual Axis from the drop-down list.

This merges the two plots into one and brings the two y-axes on either side (on
the left and right) of the plot. You can format or edit the axis by right-clicking
on it and exploring the options.

Step 7: Waterfall Chart Showing Positive and Negative Profit

In this way, our waterfall chart showing brand-wise profits incurred from the
sales of electronic items is ready. On the right, there is a reference bar showing
the color gradient for-profit values. As you can see, it goes from being orange
to dark blue showing a negative profit to positive profit.

From this, we can understand which brands managed to incur most profits
and which underwent loss. In this way, waterfall charts prove to be extremely
useful in analysis.