Introduction to parameters
Calculations in Tableau
Agata Bak-Geerinck
Senior Data Analyst, Telenet
What are parameters?
Parameter - a variable which can replace a constant value in a calculation, filter or reference line.
- Tableau parameters: number, date, string ...
- Can be used in calculations
- Inputs can be controlled by the user of your calculation or visualization
- Help keep visualizations neat and organized
Types of parameters in Tableau
Simple text field:
- Frequently used names of products
Static list of values:
- Using pre-defined measures as inputs
- Limit filtering options to a few values
Range of values:
- Allowing to determine Top N value
- Applying slider look-and-feel filtering
Using parameters in calculations
- Can be used in any calculation
- Marked in purple font:
- Remove the need to add new or manually edit the calculations:
Other uses of parameters
Parameters in filters and titles
- Top N calculations
Parameters in reference lines
- Dynamic reference lines
Making it even more interactive - parameter actions
1 https://www.tableau.com/about/blog/2019/5/parameter-actions-extend-interactivity
