# Totals, reference lines, bands and distributions

*Tableau Data Analyst Study Guide · Explore and Analyze Data · Last updated October 29, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-data-analyst/explore-and-analyze-data/totals-reference-lines-bands-and-distributions*

Turn on grand totals and subtotals and choose between Automatic and two-pass totals, then add reference lines, bands, average lines and distribution bands from the Analytics pane with the right scope, computation and drop target.

- Certification: Salesforce Tableau Data Analyst
- Exam section: Explore and Analyze Data
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-data-analyst

**Official exam objective:**

> Summarize, model, and customize data by using the Analytics pane: Totals and subtotals; Reference lines; Reference bands; Average lines; Trend lines; Distribution bands; Forecast by using default settings; Customize a data forecasting model.

## What the exam expects

- Turn on grand totals and subtotals, and choose Automatic or a Total All Using aggregation so totals match the view.
- Add a reference line with the right value, aggregation (Total versus Average) and scope (Table, Pane, Cell).
- Add a reference band between two computed values, and an Average Line or Average with 95% CI.
- Configure a distribution band by Percentages, Percentiles, Quantiles or Standard Deviation.
- Target one axis of a dual-axis view with the expanded drop area.

Trend lines and forecasting (default and customized models) are taught in Trend lines and forecasting models; the first reference line and totals are in the Desktop Foundations unit Sorting, reference lines and totals.

Key terms:
- **Two-pass total:** a total that aggregates the values shown in the view, not the underlying rows.
- **Scope:** Table, Pane or Cell, the part of the view a line, band or distribution is computed over.
- **Reference band:** shading between two constant or computed values on a continuous axis.
- **Reference distribution:** a gradient of shading defined by percentages, percentiles, quantiles or standard deviation.
- **Confidence interval:** shading where the population average falls n% of the time.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Grand total prerequisites | At least one header; aggregated measures; not continuous dimensions | [Show Totals](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/calculations_totals_grandtotal_turnon.htm) |
| Automatic totals | Computed from disaggregated underlying data | [Show Totals](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/calculations_totals_grandtotal_turnon.htm) |
| Two-pass totals | Analysis > Totals > Total All Using > an aggregation | [Show Totals](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/calculations_totals_grandtotal_turnon.htm) |
| Table calcs and secondary sources | Only Automatic totals | [Show Totals](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/calculations_totals_grandtotal_turnon.htm) |
| Reference line Value | Continuous field in the view, or a parameter | [Reference Lines](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/reference_lines.htm) |
| Weighted average line | Total aggregation | [Reference Lines](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/reference_lines.htm) |
| Quantiles | 3 to 10 tiles | [Reference Lines](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/reference_lines.htm) |
| Average with 95% CI | Average line plus bands where the population average falls 95% of the time | [Analytics Pane](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/environ_workspace_analytics_pane.htm) |
| Box plot scope | Always Cell | [Analytics Pane](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/environ_workspace_analytics_pane.htm) |

## Check yourself

- Why do Median with Quartiles and Average with 95% CI need two deletions to remove?
- When are only Automatic totals available?
- How many tiles can a Quantiles distribution use?
- When does a reference band need its From and To values to differ?

## Sources

- [Show Totals in a Visualization](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/calculations_totals_grandtotal_turnon.htm)
- [Reference Lines, Bands, Distributions, and Boxes](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/reference_lines.htm)
- [Apply Advanced Analysis to a View (Analytics Pane)](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/environ_workspace_analytics_pane.htm)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 11 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Tableau Data Analyst pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams