Mastering Number Calculations in Tableau

In this video, you will learn about number calculations in Tableau, focusing on various numerical functions that you can apply to numerical fields within your datasets. Using the Sample Superstore dataset as an example, the video demonstrates how to create basic charts, employ different number functions like sum, average, median, and also create calculated fields to use functions like ceiling, round, and ZN.

What will you learn

• Understanding of number functions in Tableau.
• How to build a subcategory level sales chart using Tableau.
• The role of predefined number functions such as sum, average, median, and count distinct.
• How to create and use calculated fields to apply additional mathematical functions.
• Practical examples of using functions like ceiling, round, and ZN.
• Visualization techniques for displaying rounded values in Tableau.

Takeaway notes

• Number functions: Utilized with numerical fields such as sales, quantity, discount, and profit.
• Predefined functions: Functions like sum, average, median, count distinct, max, min, percentile, standard deviation, and variance are readily available in Tableau.
• Creating calculated fields: Allows for the use of additional number functions not available in the default dropdown.
• Function examples:
• Ceiling: Rounds up a number to the nearest integer.
• Round: Rounds numbers to a specified number of decimal places.
• ZN: Returns zero if the expression is null or an error.

Practice questions

1. What are number functions in Tableau, and why are they used?
2. How do you create a subcategory level sales chart in Tableau?
3. List some predefined number functions available in the measure dropdown in Tableau.
4. How can you change the default number function applied to a measure in Tableau?
5. Explain how to create a calculated field in Tableau.
6. What is the purpose of the ceiling function, and how is it used in Tableau?
7. Describe the process of applying the round function to a field in Tableau.
8. What is the ZN function, and when would you use it?
9. How would you round sales values to zero decimal places in a calculated field?
10. Demonstrate how to edit the name of a calculated field in Tableau.
11. How can you compare rounded and non-rounded sales values in a Tableau chart?
12. What steps are involved in adding labels to a Tableau chart?
13. How do you visualize the differences between raw and calculated values using Tableau?
14. Explain the importance of creating calculated fields for advanced number functions.
15. Can you use multiple number functions within a single calculated field? Provide an example.