Now that you know the types of calculations and when to use them, how do you actually know how to create the formula for them? This is where things can get tricky.
There's no easy way to know exactly how to create the perfect formula; it takes practice and research. However, here are some ways you can start to learn:
Know your question or purpose
If you know the type of data you need, this can help you choose the correct function and format it properly. For example, if you need to show profit for an order, you might create a formula similar to the following: SUM (Sales) - SUM (Cost).
Learn Tableau functions
There are many different functions available in Tableau. Each type serves a different purpose. To learn more, see Functions in Tableau.
Learn how to format calculations
After you're familiar with the different types of Tableau functions and their purpose, make sure to learn how to format calculations using the proper syntax. To learn more, see Writing Calculations in Tableau.
Learn from other examples
Learning by example is effective. Try to collect a list of common calculations to use in your everyday analysis. There are several resources available to you:
- Tableau Blog: Top 10 Tableau table calculations
- Tableau Blog: Top 15 LOD Expressions
- Tableau Blog: Save time and stay consistent with a template of calculated fields
Still having trouble?
Ask for help on the Tableau Community.
Also in this series:
Understanding Calculations in Tableau
Types of Calculations in Tableau
Choosing the Right Calculation Type