# Fixed, dynamic and combined sets

*Tableau Desktop Foundations Study Guide · Exploring and Analyzing Data · Last updated October 29, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-desktop-foundations/exploring-and-analyzing-data/fixed-dynamic-and-combined-sets*

Sets define a subset of a dimension's members: dynamic sets from the Data pane (General, Condition and Top tabs) recompute as data changes, fixed sets from selected marks keep their members. Covers In/Out mode, set controls, combined sets and when to pick a group, a set or a filter.

- Certification: Salesforce Tableau Desktop Foundations
- Exam section: Exploring and Analyzing Data
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-desktop-foundations

**Official exam objective:**

> Organize data and apply filters: Create groups by using marks, headers, and the data pane; Create sets by using marks and the data pane; Organize dimensions into a hierarchy; Add a filter to a view; Add a date filter.

## What the exam expects

- Create a dynamic set from the Data pane with the General, Condition or Top tab, and a fixed set by selecting marks or headers in a view.
- Predict whether set membership changes when the data changes, and which kind of set can span more than one dimension.
- Show a set as In/Out to compare members with everyone else, or list its members, and recognize the IN/OUT label on the shelf.
- Combine two sets on the same dimension, and fix a set control whose Show Set command is disabled.
- Choose between a group, a set and a filter for a requirement.

Key terms:
- **Set:** a custom field that defines a subset of data based on some conditions.
- **Dynamic set:** a set whose members change when the underlying data changes; one dimension only.
- **Fixed set:** a set whose members do not change; one or more dimensions.
- **In/Out mode:** the display that splits a set into In (members) and Out (everything else).
- **Combined set:** a new set built from two sets on the same dimensions.
- **Set control:** a worksheet card, similar to a filter card, that lets the audience change a dynamic set's members.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic set tabs | General, Condition, Top | [Create Sets](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/sortgroup_sets_create.htm) |
| Dynamic set scope | Members change with the data; single dimension only | [Create Sets](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/sortgroup_sets_create.htm) |
| Fixed set scope | Members don't change; one or more dimensions | [Create Sets](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/sortgroup_sets_create.htm) |
| In/Out label | Field on the shelf is prefaced by IN/OUT and the set name | [Create Sets](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/sortgroup_sets_create.htm) |
| Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud | Sets can only be shown as In/Out | [Create Sets](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/sortgroup_sets_create.htm) |
| Set control | Dynamic sets only; Show Set disabled until the set is in the view or a calculation | [Create Sets](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/sortgroup_sets_create.htm) |
| Combined set requirement | Both sets based on the same dimensions | [Create Sets](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/sortgroup_sets_create.htm) |

## Check yourself

- Why does a set control still appear after you publish?
- Where does a new dynamic set appear after you create it?
- When can a set dragged into a view be shown only as In/Out, never as its members?
- Which combined set option keeps only the members that exist in both sets?

## Sources

- [Create Sets](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/sortgroup_sets_create.htm)
- [Group Your Data](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/sortgroup_groups_creating.htm)
- [Filter Data from Your Views](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/filtering.htm)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 4 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Tableau Desktop Foundations pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams