Tableau Questions

Explain the tableau desktop workflow?

Tableau Desktop is a powerful data visualization and analysis tool that allows you to connect
to various data sources, prepare and transform data, and create interactive visualizations and
dashboards. The typical workflow in Tableau Desktop can be broken down into the following
steps:

Connect to data: The first step is to connect to one or more data sources, such as Excel
spreadsheets, databases, or web services. Tableau Desktop provides a range of options to
connect to data, including live connections and data extracts.
Prepare and clean data: Once you have connected to your data, you can use Tableau
Desktop's data preparation tools to clean and shape your data to fit your analysis needs. This
includes tasks such as filtering, aggregating, pivoting, and joining data.
Create a worksheet: After preparing your data, you can create a worksheet by dragging and
dropping fields onto rows, columns, and shelves. You can also apply various visual encodings,
such as color, size, and shape, to your data to create meaningful visualizations.
Customize your visualization: Once you have created a basic visualization, you can customize
it by adding labels, titles, and annotations, formatting colors and fonts, and adjusting axis
scales and legends.
Create a dashboard: You can combine multiple worksheets into a single dashboard to create
a complete view of your data. Dashboards can include various elements such as filters,
actions, and web pages.
Publish and share: Once you have created your visualization and dashboard, you can publish
it to Tableau Server or Tableau Online to share it with others. You can also export your
visualization to various file formats, such as PDF, PNG, or Tableau packaged workbook, for
offline sharing.
Overall, Tableau Desktop provides a flexible and intuitive workflow that allows you to quickly
and easily analyze and visualize your data.

Explain different tableau product lines?

Tableau offers a range of products that cater to different user needs and use cases. Here are
the main product lines:

Tableau Desktop: Tableau Desktop is a data visualization and analysis tool that allows users
to connect to various data sources, prepare and transform data, and create interactive
visualizations and dashboards. It is a self-service tool that allows users to explore and analyze
their data without requiring IT or data analyst support.
Tableau Server: Tableau Server is an enterprise-level platform that allows users to share,
collaborate, and govern their Tableau content across the organization. It provides centralized
data sources, security, scalability, and collaboration features that enable organizations to
build a data-driven culture.
Tableau Online: Tableau Online is a cloud-based version of Tableau Server that provides the
same features and functionality without the need for on-premises infrastructure. It allows
users to access their Tableau content from anywhere and collaborate with others in real-time.
Tableau Prep: Tableau Prep is a data preparation tool that allows users to clean, reshape, and
combine data from multiple sources before analyzing it in Tableau. It provides a visual
interface and automated features that simplify the data preparation process.
Tableau Mobile: Tableau Mobile is a mobile app that allows users to access and interact with
their Tableau content on the go. It provides a touch-friendly interface and supports offline
access to allow users to work with their data even when they don't have an internet
connection.
Overall, Tableau offers a comprehensive suite of products that cater to different user needs
and use cases, from self-service data visualization to enterprise-level data governance and
collaboration.

What are the types of connections in tableau?

Tableau offers several types of connections to various data sources, including:

Live Connection: In a live connection, Tableau connects directly to the data source in real-
time and retrieves the latest data. This type of connection is best suited for scenarios where
the data changes frequently and needs to be updated in real-time, such as dashboards for
operational monitoring.
Extract Connection: In an extract connection, Tableau creates a static snapshot of the data
source and stores it in a highly compressed format in a Tableau Data Extract (TDE) file. This
type of connection is ideal for scenarios where the data is large or complex and requires
significant processing time to retrieve and prepare.
Blended Connection: A blended connection is used to combine data from multiple data
sources in a single view. This type of connection is useful when you need to analyze data
from different sources and combine them into a single visualization.
Published Data Source: A published data source is a data source that has been published to
Tableau Server or Tableau Online. This type of connection allows you to share data sources
with other users and govern access and permissions to the data.
Other Connections: Tableau also supports several other types of connections, such as Google
Sheets, Salesforce, and web connectors, which allow you to connect to various data sources
on the web.
Overall, Tableau offers a wide range of connections to various data sources that allow users
to access and analyze their data in a flexible and powerful way.

Difference between live and extract data connection in tableau?

Tableau offers two types of data connections: live connection and extract connection. Here
are the main differences between the two:

Data Retrieval: With a live connection, Tableau retrieves data directly from the data source in
real-time. This means that any changes made to the data in the source system are
immediately reflected in Tableau. In contrast, with an extract connection, Tableau creates a
static copy of the data from the data source and stores it in a highly compressed format in a
Tableau Data Extract (TDE) file. This means that any changes made to the data source after
the extract was created are not immediately reflected in Tableau.
Performance: Live connections are typically faster than extract connections when working
with small to medium-sized data sets. This is because Tableau does not need to create or
refresh an extract, and data is retrieved directly from the data source. However, as data
volumes increase, live connections may become slower due to the time it takes to retrieve
data from the data source. In contrast, extract connections are typically faster when working
with large or complex data sets because the data is stored in a highly compressed format and
can be optimized for faster querying and analysis.
Flexibility: Live connections provide more flexibility in terms of data access and availability.
With a live connection, you can access the most up-to-date data in real-time and apply
changes to the data source directly in Tableau. In contrast, with an extract connection, you
may need to refresh the extract manually or set up a schedule to refresh it at regular intervals.
However, extract connections provide more flexibility in terms of data processing and analysis
because you can manipulate the data in Tableau without impacting the underlying data
source.
Data Volume: Live connections are better suited for smaller data sets, while extract
connections are better suited for larger data sets. Extracts allow you to work with a subset of
the data, which can improve performance and reduce the load on the data source.
Overall, the choice between a live connection and an extract connection depends on several
factors, including the size and complexity of the data set, performance requirements, and the
need for real-time data access and analysis.

Difference between split and custom split in tableau?

Tableau provides two ways to split a field into multiple columns: Split and Custom Split. Here
are the main differences between the two:

Functionality: Split is a basic function that allows you to split a field into multiple columns
based on a single delimiter (such as a comma or space). Custom Split, on the other hand, is a
more advanced function that allows you to split a field based on multiple delimiters or a
custom pattern.
User Input: Split requires you to specify a delimiter, such as a comma or space, to split the
field. Custom Split, on the other hand, allows you to define a custom delimiter or pattern
using regular expressions.
Output: Split creates a fixed number of columns based on the number of delimiter
occurrences in the field. For example, if you split a field using a comma delimiter, you will get
a fixed number of columns based on the number of commas in the field. Custom Split, on the
other hand, creates a dynamic number of columns based on the pattern you define. This
allows you to split a field into multiple columns based on any custom pattern, even if the
number of delimiter occurrences varies.
Complexity: Split is a simple function that is easy to use and understand. Custom Split,
however, is a more advanced function that requires some knowledge of regular expressions
and pattern matching.
Overall, Split is a simple and straightforward way to split a field into multiple columns based
on a single delimiter, while Custom Split provides more advanced functionality for splitting
fields based on custom patterns or multiple delimiters.

Explain different types of sorting in tableau?

Tableau offers several types of sorting to help you analyze and visualize your data. Here are
the main types of sorting in Tableau:
Default Sort: By default, Tableau sorts the data in ascending order based on the selected field.
You can change the sort order to descending by clicking the sort icon in the toolbar.
Manual Sort: Manual sort allows you to drag and drop items within a field to rearrange the
order in which they appear. This is useful when you want to group related items together or
highlight specific items in a view.
Alphanumeric Sort: Alphanumeric sort is used for fields that contain both numbers and text.
In this type of sorting, the data is sorted alphabetically first and then numerically.
Data Source Sort: Data source sort allows you to specify a custom sort order for a field using
a separate table or data source. This is useful when you want to sort the data based on a
specific criteria that is not available in the current data source.
Aggregation Sort: Aggregation sort is used for fields that have been aggregated, such as sum
or average. In this type of sorting, the data is sorted based on the aggregated values, rather
than the individual values.
Relative Date Sort: Relative date sort is used for date fields that have been set up as relative
dates. In this type of sorting, the data is sorted based on the relative time period, such as last
week or last month.
Overall, Tableau offers several types of sorting to help you organize and analyze your data in
a meaningful way. The choice of sorting depends on the nature of your data and the specific
insights you are trying to uncover.

Difference between group and hierarchies in tableau?

n Tableau, grouping and hierarchies are two ways to organize and visualize data. Here are the
main differences between the two:

Functionality: Grouping allows you to combine two or more related items into a single
category, while hierarchies allow you to organize related items into a nested structure.
Relationship: Groups are independent of the underlying data structure and can be created and
edited independently of the original data source, while hierarchies are based on the
underlying data structure and cannot be created or edited independently of the data source.
Level of Detail: Groups can be used to aggregate data at a higher level of detail than the
original data, while hierarchies provide a way to drill down into more detailed data.
Customization: Groups can be customized with specific labels and colors, while hierarchies
are generally limited to a standard structure and appearance.
Applicability: Groups are useful for creating custom categories based on specific criteria,
while hierarchies are useful for visualizing relationships between different levels of data.
Overall, groups and hierarchies are both useful tools for organizing and visualizing data in
Tableau, but they serve different purposes. Groups are more flexible and customizable, while
hierarchies are more structured and provide a way to drill down into more detailed data.

What is discrete and continuous dates in tableau?

In Tableau, dates can be represented as either discrete or continuous. Here is a brief
explanation of each type:

Discrete Dates: Discrete dates are represented as separate values on the axis, such as
individual years or months. When dates are set to discrete, Tableau treats each date as a
separate category or group, and the axis shows the individual dates as discrete values.
Discrete dates are useful for categorical analysis or when you want to create discrete time-
series data.
Continuous Dates: Continuous dates are represented as a continuous range of values on the
axis, such as a continuous line graph showing data over time. When dates are set to
continuous, Tableau treats the dates as a continuous range of values, and the axis shows a
continuous scale of time. Continuous dates are useful for analyzing trends and patterns over
time.
To change the date type in Tableau, right-click on the date field in the view and select
"Change Date Type." From there, you can choose between the "Discrete" and "Continuous"
options.

In summary, discrete dates are useful for analyzing data by separate categories or groups,
while continuous dates are useful for analyzing data over time as a continuous range of
values.

Difference between measure value and measure names in tableau?

In Tableau, Measure Names and Measure Values are two different concepts that are used to
work with measures in a visualization. Here are the main differences between the two:

Measure Names: Measure Names is a field that contains the names of all the measures in a
data source. It is used to select which measures to include in a visualization. When you drag
Measure Names onto the Columns or Rows shelf, Tableau creates a column or row for each
selected measure. This allows you to create a view that shows multiple measures side-by-
side.
Measure Values: Measure Values is a field that contains the actual values of the measures in
a data source. It is used to populate the cells in a visualization. When you drag Measure
Values onto the view, Tableau creates a cell for each combination of dimensions and
measures in the data source. This allows you to create a view that shows the values of
different measures for each dimension.
In summary, Measure Names is used to select which measures to include in a visualization,
while Measure Values is used to populate the cells in a visualization with actual measure
values. Both Measure Names and Measure Values are essential components of working with
measures in Tableau.

What is combined and dual axis chart in tableau?

In Tableau, combined and dual axis charts are two different ways to display multiple
measures in a single visualization. Here is a brief explanation of each type:

Combined Axis Chart: A combined axis chart displays multiple measures on a single axis.
This can be useful when the measures have similar scales and units, making it easy to
compare their values. In a combined axis chart, each measure is represented by a separate
color or symbol, allowing you to differentiate between them.
Dual Axis Chart: A dual axis chart displays multiple measures on two separate axes, one on
the left and one on the right. This can be useful when the measures have different scales or
units, making it difficult to compare their values on a single axis. In a dual axis chart, each
measure is represented by a separate line or bar, and the axes are synchronized to ensure that
the scales match up.
The main difference between the two types of charts is the way that the measures are
displayed. In a combined axis chart, the measures are displayed on a single axis, while in a
dual axis chart, they are displayed on two separate axes.

To create a combined axis chart in Tableau, simply drag multiple measures onto the Rows or
Columns shelf, and Tableau will automatically create a chart with a separate color or symbol
for each measure. To create a dual axis chart, drag one measure onto the Rows or Columns
shelf, then drag another measure onto the same shelf and drop it onto the right side of the
axis. Tableau will automatically create a dual axis chart with two separate axes, one on the
left and one on the right.

What is scatter plot in tableau?

In Tableau, a scatter plot is a type of chart that displays the relationship between two
continuous variables. It is also sometimes called an XY plot or a scatter chart. A scatter plot
consists of a series of points that are plotted on a graph, where each point represents a single
data point with an X and Y value.

The X and Y values of each point on the scatter plot correspond to the two continuous
variables being analyzed. The position of each point on the graph indicates the value of each
variable for that particular data point. By examining the scatter plot, you can see whether
there is a relationship between the two variables, and if so, what type of relationship it is.

For example, if you were analyzing a dataset that included the height and weight of a group
of people, you could create a scatter plot to see if there is a relationship between height and
weight. You could plot height on the X axis and weight on the Y axis, and then plot each data
point as a single point on the graph. By examining the scatter plot, you could see if there is a
positive or negative relationship between the two variables, or if there is no relationship at all.

In Tableau, creating a scatter plot is simple. Just drag the two continuous variables you want
to analyze onto the Rows and Columns shelves, and Tableau will automatically create a
scatter plot. You can then customize the plot by adding labels, colors, and other visual
elements to make it more informative and visually appealing.

In summary, a scatter plot is a type of chart that displays the relationship between two
continuous variables. It is a useful tool for analyzing data and identifying patterns or trends in
the data.

Difference between cross tab and highlight table in tableau?

In Tableau, a cross tab and a highlight table are two different ways to display data in a table
format. Here are the main differences between the two:
Cross Tab: A cross tab, also known as a pivot table, displays data in a matrix format, with
one variable on the rows and another variable on the columns. The cells in the matrix display
the values of a third variable. Cross tabs are useful for summarizing large amounts of data
and comparing values across different categories.
Highlight Table: A highlight table is a table that highlights specific data points based on a
selected dimension. When a user selects a value for a dimension, the highlight table will
change to show only the data points that match that value. Highlight tables are useful for
comparing values across different categories and identifying outliers or unusual data points.
The main difference between the two types of tables is the way that they display the data. A
cross tab displays data in a matrix format, with all the data visible at once. A highlight table,
on the other hand, allows the user to select a specific dimension value and see only the data
points that match that value.

To create a cross tab in Tableau, simply drag one or more dimensions and one or more
measures onto the Rows and Columns shelves. Tableau will automatically create a cross tab
with the data displayed in a matrix format.

To create a highlight table, first create a table with the dimensions and measures you want to
display. Then, add the dimension you want to use for highlighting to the Marks card, and
select the Highlight option. When a user selects a value for the highlighted dimension, the
table will change to show only the data points that match that value.

Explain type of calculated fields in tableau?

In Tableau, a calculated field is a field that is created by applying a formula or function to
existing fields in the data source. There are several types of calculated fields that can be
created in Tableau, including the following:

Numeric Calculations: Numeric calculations are used to perform mathematical operations on

numeric data, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These calculations
can also be used to calculate percentages, ratios, and averages.
Date and Time Calculations: Date and time calculations are used to perform operations on
date and time data, such as adding or subtracting days, months, or years, or calculating the
difference between two dates.
String Calculations: String calculations are used to manipulate and format text data, such as
concatenating strings, extracting parts of strings, or changing the case of text.
Logical Calculations: Logical calculations are used to evaluate logical expressions and return
a Boolean result, such as true or false. These calculations can be used to filter data based on
certain conditions, or to create calculated fields that display different values depending on
certain conditions.
Aggregate Calculations: Aggregate calculations are used to calculate summary statistics, such
as the sum, average, minimum, or maximum of a set of values. These calculations are
typically used to summarize data in a visualization.
Table Calculations: Table calculations are used to perform calculations that involve multiple
rows or columns of data. These calculations can be used to calculate running totals, moving
averages, or other summary statistics that depend on the order of the data.
In Tableau, calculated fields can be created using the Calculation Editor or the Formula bar.
Once a calculated field has been created, it can be used in any visualization just like any other
field in the data source.
Differentiate between pie chart and tree map in tableau?
Pie charts and treemaps are two different types of visualizations in Tableau that are used to
display data in a hierarchical manner. However, they have some key differences:

Shape: Pie charts use circular shapes, while treemaps use rectangular shapes.
Space Allocation: In a pie chart, each category is represented by a slice of the circle, with the
size of the slice proportional to the size of the data being represented. In a treemap, each
category is represented by a rectangle, with the size of the rectangle proportional to the size
of the data being represented.
Hierarchy: Pie charts do not have a hierarchical structure, while treemaps do. Treemaps can
display multiple levels of hierarchy, with the size of the rectangles representing the relative
size of the data at each level.
Labeling: Pie charts typically label each slice with the name of the category and the
percentage or value being represented. Treemaps can be labeled in a similar way, but can also
use a color scale to indicate the relative size of the data being represented.
Complexity: Pie charts are typically simpler and easier to read than treemaps. Treemaps can
be more complex, especially when displaying multiple levels of hierarchy, and can require
more effort to interpret.

Difference between reference line and trend line in tableau

Reference lines and trend lines are two different types of lines that can be added to a
visualization in Tableau to provide additional context and insights. The key differences
between the two are:

Purpose: Reference lines are used to mark a specific value or threshold on a chart, while trend
lines are used to show the trend or direction of the data over time or across categories.
Calculation: Reference lines are static and are based on a fixed value or formula that is
predefined by the user. Trend lines are dynamic and are calculated based on the data points in
the visualization, using regression analysis to show the direction and slope of the data.
Placement: Reference lines are typically placed at a specific point or value on the chart, while
trend lines are placed across the entire chart, showing the trend of the data as a whole.
Appearance: Reference lines can be customized with a specific color, line style, or label,
while trend lines are typically displayed as a straight line that can be customized with
different colors or line styles.

What is a dashboard and story in tableau?

A dashboard and story are two different types of visualizations in Tableau that are used to
communicate insights and analysis. The key differences between the two are:

Purpose: A dashboard is a collection of views, charts, and other visualizations that are used to
present data and insights in a single screen, allowing users to interact and explore the data in
different ways. A story, on the other hand, is a narrative that guides the viewer through a
sequence of visualizations, presenting a cohesive and compelling argument or story.
Structure: A dashboard is typically organized in a grid or layout, with multiple views
arranged in a logical and meaningful way. A story, on the other hand, is structured like a
slideshow, with a sequence of visualizations and annotations that guide the viewer through a
particular analysis or story.
Interactivity: Dashboards are highly interactive, allowing users to explore and interact with
the data in real-time, filtering and drilling down into different aspects of the analysis. Stories
are less interactive, with the focus on presenting a coherent and compelling narrative rather
than allowing the viewer to interact with the data.
Complexity: Dashboards can be complex, with multiple views and charts displaying a range
of data points and insights. Stories are typically simpler, with a clear and focused narrative
that guides the viewer through a particular analysis or story.

Explain joints/union/blending in tableau?

Joints, unions, and blending are three different ways of combining data from multiple sources
in Tableau. The key differences between the three are:

Joins: Joins are used to combine data from two or more tables based on a common field. For
example, you might join a customer table and a sales table based on a common customer ID
field. The resulting table will contain all the fields from both tables, with rows matching on
the common field.
Unions: Unions are used to combine data from two or more tables that have the same
structure but different data. For example, you might union monthly sales data from different
regions or stores to create a single table with all the data. The resulting table will contain all
the fields from the original tables, with rows stacked on top of each other.
Blending: Blending is used to combine data from two or more sources that have different
structures or levels of detail. For example, you might blend sales data from a transactional
system with customer data from a CRM system, using a common field like customer name or
ID. The resulting view will display data from both sources, with data from the primary data
source displayed at the detail level and data from the secondary data source displayed at a
summary level.
The choice between joins, unions, and blending depends on the nature of the data and the
desired outcome. Joins are used to combine data from two or more tables with a common
field, while unions are used to stack data from tables with the same structure. Blending is
used to combine data from sources with different structures or levels of detail.
Differentiate between bar, histogram and whisker plot in tableau?
Bar charts, histograms, and box plots (also known as whisker plots) are three different types
of visualizations in Tableau used to display and analyze data. The key differences between
them are:

Bar Charts: Bar charts are used to compare values across different categories or groups.
They consist of vertical or horizontal bars that represent each category, with the length of the
bar indicating the value of the category. Bar charts are commonly used to show the
distribution of categorical data or to compare values between different categories.
Histograms: Histograms are used to show the distribution of continuous numerical data.
They consist of a series of vertical bars, where each bar represents a range of values (called a
bin), with the height of the bar indicating the number of observations that fall within that
range. Histograms are useful for identifying patterns and trends in continuous data.
Box Plots (Whisker Plots): Box plots are used to show the distribution of data and to
identify outliers. They consist of a box and whisker plot, where the box represents the range
of the middle 50% of the data, with the line in the middle representing the median. The
whiskers represent the range of the data, excluding outliers. Box plots are useful for
identifying the spread and skewness of data.
In summary, bar charts are used to compare values across different categories, histograms are
used to show the distribution of continuous numerical data, and box plots are used to show
the distribution of data and to identify outliers. Each of these visualization types has its own
strengths and weaknesses and is best suited for different types of data and analysis.
What is forecasting in tableau?
Forecasting in Tableau is a feature that allows you to predict future values based on historical
data. The forecasting feature uses time-series analysis to create a forecast model and predict
future values. The forecast model is based on a mathematical algorithm that analyzes the
patterns and trends in the historical data to predict future values. The forecasting feature in
Tableau can be used with a variety of different types of data, including sales data, financial
data, and inventory data.

To create a forecast in Tableau, you first need to have a time series data set. You then select
the data you want to forecast and choose the forecasting option from the Analysis menu.
Tableau will then automatically create a forecast model and display the forecasted values on
a chart. You can adjust the forecast period and the level of confidence in the forecast, and
Tableau will adjust the forecast accordingly.

Tableau also provides various tools and options to help you analyze and understand your
forecast. For example, you can compare the forecasted values to the actual values, adjust the
forecast model, and visualize the forecast data using different types of charts and graphs. The
forecasting feature in Tableau is a powerful tool that can help you make data-driven decisions
and plan for the future based on historical trends and patterns.

What is heat map in tableau?

A heatmap in Tableau is a visualization that represents the density of data points on a two-
dimensional graph. It uses color coding to indicate the relative density of data points within
different regions of the graph. Heatmaps are often used to display large amounts of data and
to identify patterns or trends that may not be apparent from a table or list of numbers.

In Tableau, heatmaps can be created using a variety of data types, including numerical,
categorical, and temporal data. To create a heatmap, you simply drag and drop the desired
data fields onto the rows and columns shelves of the worksheet. Tableau will automatically
aggregate the data and display the heatmap using a color gradient.

Heatmaps in Tableau can also be customized to suit your needs. You can adjust the color
gradient, change the data aggregation level, and add labels or annotations to the heatmap.
Additionally, Tableau provides a variety of formatting and design options to help you create
professional-looking visualizations.

Heatmaps can be useful in a variety of contexts, including financial analysis, marketing

research, and scientific data analysis. They can help identify patterns, trends, and outliers in
the data and can provide insights that may not be apparent from other types of visualizations.

Explain filter option on measures and dimension in tableau?

In Tableau, filters are used to limit the data displayed in a visualization based on specific
conditions or criteria. There are two types of filters in Tableau: dimension filters and measure
filters.
Dimension filters operate on the categorical data in a visualization, such as a list of products,
regions, or time periods. They allow you to filter data based on specific values or ranges of
values within a dimension. For example, you can create a filter to show only the data for a
specific product category, or to exclude certain regions from the visualization. Dimension
filters can be created using the filter shelf, and can be customized to include or exclude
specific values or ranges.

Measure filters operate on the numerical data in a visualization, such as sales figures,
quantities, or profit margins. They allow you to filter data based on specific values or ranges
of values within a measure. For example, you can create a filter to show only the data for
products with a certain profit margin, or to exclude data points that fall outside a specific
range. Measure filters can also be created using the filter shelf, and can be customized to
include or exclude specific values or ranges.

Filters can be applied to individual worksheets or to the entire dashboard, and can be used in
combination with other Tableau features, such as groups, hierarchies, and calculated fields.
Filters can also be saved and reused in future visualizations, and can be used to create
dynamic dashboards that update automatically based on changes to the underlying data.