Design and Troubleshoot Calculations and Workbooks40% of the exam
Combining LODs, table calculations and date logic
Layer row-level logic, LOD expressions and table calculations in the combinations Tableau allows, feed FIXED results into row-level date math and distinct counts, anchor date logic to the data's own earliest or latest date, and predict how filters and Specific Dimensions shape the combined result.
Implement combinations of advanced calculations.
~8 min read · 6 practice questions ·
What the exam expects
- Choose which calculation type (row-level, aggregate, LOD or table calculation) each layer of a combined requirement needs, and which layerings Tableau permits.
- Use a FIXED result inside row-level logic, such as a date difference from an entity's first date or a condition counted with COUNTD.
- Anchor date comparisons to the data's own earliest or latest date instead of the calendar.
- Predict how dimension, context and table-calculation filters affect a calculation that combines FIXED and a table calculation.
- Combine a fiscal calendar with a table calculation's Specific Dimensions so the result restarts at the right boundary.
Key terms:
- Row-level calculation: computed for every row of the data source.
- Aggregate calculation: computed at the view's level of detail, so it changes as the view changes.
- Table calculation: a transformation of the values already in the visualization.
- Addressing and partitioning: the dimensions a table calculation moves along and the ones it restarts on.
Key facts
Table calculation level
- Detail
- Visualization level of detail only
Table calc in an LOD
- Detail
- Not permitted in the aggregate expression
LOD in an LOD
- Detail
- Allowed; the aggregate expression can contain other LODs
Mixed arguments
- Detail
- Row value with an aggregate raises an error
COUNTD
- Detail
- Distinct items; nulls not counted
FIXED vs dimension filters
- Detail
- Computed before them unless the filter is in context
Table calculation filters
- Detail
- Hide marks; underlying data still used
Specific Dimensions
- Detail
- Checked fields address; unchecked fields partition
Sources for this section (5)
- Types of Calculations in Tableauhelp.tableau.com (opens in a new tab)
- Create Level of Detail Expressions in Tableauhelp.tableau.com (opens in a new tab)
- How Level of Detail Expressions Work in Tableauhelp.tableau.com (opens in a new tab)
- Aggregate Functions in Tableauhelp.tableau.com (opens in a new tab)
- Transform Values with Table Calculationshelp.tableau.com (opens in a new tab)
- Why does a table-calculation filter hide marks without changing the numbers other calculations use?
- What does COUNTD do with null values in its argument?
- Which shelves and cards decide the virtual table a table calculation works on?
- Why does
[Sales] – AVG([Sales])fail to save while[Sales] - {AVG([Sales])}works?
The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.
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