6 min read
Using Tableau Parameters for Dynamic Dashboards
Create interactive dashboards using parameters
What are Parameters?
Parameters are values that users can change. They make dashboards interactive!
Example:
- Choose "Top N" number
- Select date range
- Pick a measure to display
Creating Parameters
- Right-click in Data Pane
- Select "Create Parameter"
- Set name, data type, values
- Click OK
Parameter Settings
Data Type
- String (text)
- Integer (whole numbers)
- Float (decimals)
- Date
- Boolean (true/false)
Allowable Values
- All - User types any value
- List - User picks from options
- Range - User picks within min/max
Example: Top N Parameter
Create Parameter
- Name: "Top N"
- Data Type: Integer
- Current Value: 10
- Range: 1 to 100
Use in Calculated Field
RANK(SUM([Sales])) <= [Top N Parameter]
Show Parameter Control
- Right-click parameter
- Select "Show Parameter Control"
- Control appears on sheet
Common Parameter Uses
1. Dynamic Measure Selection
Let users choose what to see:
CASE [Measure Selector]
WHEN "Sales" THEN [Sales]
WHEN "Profit" THEN [Profit]
WHEN "Quantity" THEN [Quantity]
END
2. Date Range
Filter by user-selected dates:
[Date] >= [Start Date Parameter]
AND [Date] <= [End Date Parameter]
3. What-If Analysis
[Sales] * (1 + [Growth Rate Parameter])
Parameter Controls
Right-click parameter → Show Parameter Control
Control types:
- Slider (for ranges)
- Dropdown (for lists)
- Type-in (for all values)
Parameters + Filters
Use parameter in filter calculation:
- Create parameter
- Create calculated field using parameter
- Use calculated field as filter
Tips
- Name parameters clearly
- Set sensible defaults
- Use lists for limited options
- Add descriptions
Example Dashboard
Sales Dashboard with Parameters:
- Parameter 1: Select Region (dropdown)
- Parameter 2: Top N Products (slider)
- Parameter 3: Year (dropdown)
Users can customize their view!
Summary
Parameters let users control dashboards. Create parameter, use in calculations, show control. Makes dashboards interactive!