Parameters in Tableau

What is a Parameters?

• A Parameter is a dynamic value that allows users to change data, calculations, filters, or charts interactively.

Why Use Parameters?

• Change calculations dynamically.

• Create interactive dashboards.

• Switch between charts.

• Filter data.

• Change measures (Sales, Profit, Quantity).

Example: Parameter for Sales and Profit

Suppose you have two measures:

• Sales

• Profit

Using a parameter, users can switch between:

Sales
or
Profit

How to Create a Parameter

Step 1: Open Tableau

• Open Tableau and connect your dataset.

Step 2: Go to Data Pane

• On the left side, right-click anywhere in the Data Pane.

Click:

Create Parameter

Step 3: Enter Parameter Details

Example:

Property               Value

Name                   Select Measure
Data Type              String
Allowable Values       List

Step 4: Add Values

Add values:

Sales
Profit
Quantity

Click OK.

Step 5: Show Parameter

Right-click the parameter.

Click:

Show Parameter

You will see:

Sales
Profit
Quantity

Create Calculated Field for Parameter

Go to:

Analysis → Create Calculated Field

Name:

Selected Measure

Formula:

CASE [Select Measure]

WHEN "Sales" THEN SUM([Sales])

WHEN "Profit" THEN SUM([Profit])

WHEN "Quantity" THEN SUM([Quantity])

END

Click OK.

Step 6: Use in Chart

Drag:

Category → Rows

Selected Measure → Columns

Now users can switch:

Sales
Profit
Quantity

The chart changes automatically.

Parameter Flow

Create Parameter
        ↓
Add Values
        ↓
Show Parameter
        ↓
Create Calculated Field
        ↓
Use in Chart
        ↓
Interactive Dashboard