Exploring and Analyzing Data37% of the exam

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.

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.

~8 min read · 4 practice questions ·

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

Dynamic set tabs
Detail
General, Condition, Top
Dynamic set scope
Detail
Members change with the data; single dimension only
Fixed set scope
Detail
Members don't change; one or more dimensions
In/Out label
Detail
Field on the shelf is prefaced by IN/OUT and the set name
Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud
Detail
Sets can only be shown as In/Out
Set control
Detail
Dynamic sets only; Show Set disabled until the set is in the view or a calculation
Combined set requirement
Detail
Both sets based on the same dimensions
Sources for this section (1)
  • 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?

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