Understanding Calculated Fields in Tableau

What Are Calculated Fields?

Calculated fields in Tableau allow you to create new fields using formulas based on existing data. They’re a powerful way to extend your analysis without modifying the underlying data source.

Example Formulas

Here are some common calculated fields you might use:

[Profit] / [Sales]

YEAR([Order Date])

IF [Sales] > 1000 THEN "Yes" ELSE "No" END

RUNNING_SUM(SUM([Sales]))

Creating Your First Calculated Field

To create a calculated field in Tableau:

1. Click Analysis on the top menu bar, then select Create Calculated Field…
   • Or: ALT + A + C
2. Name your field
3. Write your formula
4. Click OK

The formulas use Tableau’s calculation language, which includes functions for:

• Aggregation: SUM, AVG, COUNT, MIN, MAX
• String functions: UPPER, LOWER, LEN, CONTAINS
• Date functions: YEAR, MONTH, DAY, DATEDIFF
• Logical functions: IF, CASE, WHEN
• Spatial functions: MAKEPOINT, MAKELINE, BUFFER, DISTANCE

Tips and Tricks

• Test your formulas in small steps
• Use the syntax hints as you type
• Remember that field names go in square brackets
• String values go in single quotes

Happy calculating!