Tableau Dynamic Parameters

What are Tableau Dynamic Parameters?

Tableau dynamic parameters are a feature in Tableau 2020.1 or higher versions where the parameter values can be updated dynamically. With this feature, Tableau users can easily link a data source column to the parameter’s list of values, and whenever someone opens a workbook, Tableau retrieves the latest values. There is greater flexibility and control where the Tableau users can set what should be the current parameter value instead of any random values.

A sample of Tableau dynamic parameter values is below for reference.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Sample
Key Takeaways
  • Tableau dynamic parameters is a feature in Tableau 2020.1 or higher versions that allows parameter values to be updated dynamically. 
  • With this feature, Tableau users can easily link a data source column to the parameter’s list of values. Whenever someone opens a workbook, Tableau will retrieve the latest values. 
  • There is greater flexibility and control where the Tableau users can set what should be the current parameter value instead of any random values
  • With Tableau dynamic parameters, you can populate a list of allowable values, reflect the latest date, and update the list of allowable numerical values.
  • You can use Tableau dynamic parameters in calculated fields.

How to create dynamic parameters in Tableau?

To create dynamic parameters in Tableau, you may follow the instructions outlined below:

Step 1: Right-click on the Data pane and select the Create Parameter option from the context menu as shown below.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - create - Step 1

Step 2: In the Create Parameter window, configure the parameter details.

Name – Specify the parameter name.

Data type – The data type of the parameter.

Current value – Specify the parameter’s current value. It is the default value for the parameter.

Value when workbook opens – This is the value you want to set to the parameter every time you open the workbook.

Allowable values – Choose the List option.

When workbook opens – This option allows you to specify a dynamic list of order dates to filter and view data based on underlying values. When you open the workbook, Tableau refreshes the parameter’s list of values automatically.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - create - Step 2

Click on OK to save the changes.

It will create the parameter visible in the Parameters pane. Click on Show Parameter to view the default value.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - create - Step 2 - Show Parameter

If you click on the Dynamic Sales Order Date dropdown, you will see the list of Order Dates based on the Order Date field in your dataset.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - create - Step 2 - Dynamic Sales

Step 3: To configure the parameter, right-click on the Data pane and select Create Calculated field.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - create - Step 3

In the Calculation Editor, specify the logic for the parameter as shown below. Click on OK.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - create - Step 3 - Calculation Editor

Step 4: Drag and drop the fields to Tableau view to create the visualization. You can change the values of the parameter to alter the visualization as needed.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - create - Step 4

Additionally, you can also use the Parameter Actions options to make your parameters more dynamic. For example, you can hover the mouse over certain buttons or click marks to trigger action in the Tableau view.

Note: You can also create Tableau dynamic parameters based on filter to create interactive dashboards. 

Examples

In this section, we will examine some examples of using dynamic parameters in calculations for Tableau visualizations.

Example #1 – Dynamically populate a list of allowable values

In this example, we will dynamically populate a list of allowable values by creating a dynamic parameter in Tableau. For this purpose, we have used the Amazon_prime_users dataset, which contains consumer details along with their subscription model, payment frequency, and other details.

To dynamically populate a list of allowable values using dynamic parameters in Tableau, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Import the Amazon_prime_users dataset into Tableau. You shall be able to view the imported dataset in the Data Source tab.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 1

Step 2: In a new worksheet, click on the down arrow next to the Search text box and then click on the Create Parameter option from the context menu.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 2

Step 3: In the Create Parameter window, specify the parameter’s name and properties, as shown in the screenshot below.

Choose Allowable values as List. Click on When workbook opens and then choose the Payment Information option.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 3

Step 4: Specify the Current value as Mastercard. Click on OK to save the changes.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 4

Step 5: Once the parameter is created, right-click on it and – Show Parameter. The Parameter Payment Information will appear in the right corner of the view, along with a list of values in a dropdown. 

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 5

Step 6: Open the underlying data source that you have imported into the Tableau interface.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 6

Step 7: Change some of the Payment Information. It is to add new categories as shown below.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 7

Step 8: Refresh the data in the Tableau interface to import the latest data.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 8

Now, you can see the newly added values are automatically added to the parameter dropdown list.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 8 - parameter

Step 9: Right-click on the parameter and choose Edit option.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 9

In the Edit Parameter window, the newly added payment categories are displayed in the list of values as provided in the screenshot below.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 1 - Step 9 - Edit Parameter

Example #2 – Dynamically change a date parameter to the latest date

In this example, we will show how you can dynamically change a date parameter to the latest date in Tableau. For this demonstration, we used online sales data, which contains sales details across many product categories and regions, as well as payment methods across various stores within different cities in the US.

To dynamically change a date Tableau dynamic parameter to the latest date in Tableau, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Use File Navigator to import the Online Sales Data dataset into Tableau using the Tableau Desktop interface.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 1

Step 2: Click the down arrow icon next to the search text box. Select the Create Calculated Field option.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 2

Step 3: In the Calculation Window Editor, specify a name and provide the logic to create the field.

Here, we have used {MAX([Date])} to pick the latest date from the dataset.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 3

Step 4: Drag the Date to the Columns shelf. Right-click on the field and select Month and Discrete options from the context menu as shown below.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 4

Step 5: Drag Total Income to the Rows shelf. It is to create a line chart, as shown below.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 5

Step 6: Repeat step 2 to select the Create Parameter option from the context menu.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 6

Step 7: In the Create Parameter window that opens, specify the name and properties of the parameter.

Note: we have used the calculated field Latest Date in Value when workbook opens.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 7

Step 8: Similar to the above step, we have selected the Latest Date in the When workbook opens option.

Click on OK to save the changes.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 8

The parameter you have created is visible in the Parameters pane. To display values, choose the Show Parameter option.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 8 - Parameter

Step 9: Add the new values to your underlying data source as shown below, and save the changes.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 9

Step 10: Now refresh the data of the data source to import the newly added values to Tableau.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 10

You will notice that the Date Pane parameter displays the latest date value from the underlying data source.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 2 - Step 9 - Data Pane

Example #3 – Dynamically update list of allowable numerical values using benchmarks

In this example, we will dynamically update the list of allowable numerical values using benchmarks and the Amazon Sales dataset. The Amazon Sales dataset contains the sales details of various products listed on Amazon’s website worldwide, contributing to Amazon’s total revenue.

To dynamically update the list of allowable numerical values using benchmarks, follow the below step-by-step guidelines:

Step 1: Connect with the Amazon Sales dataset to Tableau using the Tableau interface.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 1

Similarly import the Competitor Benchmark data into Tableau. We have created sample data for this example demonstration purpose.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 1 - import

Step 2: Create a data visualization by dragging the Order Date to the Columns shelf and Total Revenue to the Rows shelf. Tableau will create a line chart as shown below.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 2

Step 3: Add a reference line to the visual by dragging the Reference Line from the Analytics pane and dropping it to the Pane.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 3

Step 4: Specify any changes in the Edit Reference Line, Band, or Box window. Tableau has added a reference line to the chart in the view.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 4

Step 5: Click on the down arrow next to the Search text box and choose Create Parameter.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 5

Step 6: In the Create Parameter window, specify the parameter name, value when workbook opens and When workbook opens details. 

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 6

Click on OK to save the changes.

Step 7: In the Tableau view, right-click on the vertical axis and choose the Add Reference Line option from the context menu. 

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 7

Step 8: In the Add Reference Line, Band, or Box window, choose Value as the Comp Benchmark parameter and specify other details as per the screenshot below. Click on OK to save the changes.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 8

Step 9: In the Benchmark data source, amend the dataset by including additional data points.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 9

Step 10: Right-click on the data source in the Tableau worksheet. Then, choose Refresh.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 10

Step 11: Now open the parameter in Edit mode. The amended values will be visible in the Allowable values list.

Tableau Dynamic Parameters - Example 3 - Step 11

Important Things to Note

  • Tableau dynamic parameters are not recommended for use in a data extract filter due to their performance implications. When you use a dynamic parameter for a data extract filter, Tableau must process the entire data to calculate the parameter value and apply the filter to the dataset.
  • Dynamic parameters work better when you have an automated data source that is refreshed in real-time or on a frequently refreshed schedule to keep your data up-to-date.
  • Consider any error handling or issues with dynamic parameters. Check the Tableau community or other technical forums if you notice Tableau dynamic parameters not working.
  • Ensure any data accessibility or permissions requirements are considered when you publish to Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do dynamic parameters differ from static parameters in Tableau?

The key differences between dynamic and static parameters in Tableau are outlined below:

FAQ 1

2. Can I use dynamic parameters in calculated fields in Tableau?

Yes, you can use dynamic parameters in calculated fields in Tableau. This helps users to apply filters or calculations based on the parameter values. Any changes to the parameter values will automatically reflected in the calculated fields in Tableau.

3. How do I handle errors or issues with dynamic parameters in Tableau?

To handle errors or issues with dynamic parameters in Tableau, you may follow the steps outlined below:

1) Check the syntax or configuration errors especially if you are using dynamic parameters within a calculated field.
2) Ensure that the data connectivity is accurate and data is refreshed automatically to reflect the latest values.
3) For large datasets, ensure that the data is optimized and if need be apply filters to reduce the size where applicable.

4. Can I use dynamic parameters in Tableau Server or Tableau Online?

Yes, you can use dynamic parameters in Tableau Server or Tableau Online. However, ensure that the following things are addressed:

1) The underlying data source of data published to Tableau Server or Tableau Online should be accessible.
2) The data source is periodically refreshed to reflect and keep it up-to-date for consumption.
3) There should be appropriate permissions on the workbook to view the underlying data and parameter interaction.

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