In this blog, we will be going to create Gauge chart in Tableau. A gauge chart, also known as a dial chart or speedometer chart, is a visualization tool that shows data values within a circular arc, similar to how a car’s speedometer works. The chart features a needle or pointer that indicates the current value within a specific range, making it a great way to track progress toward a goal, measure performance against a target, or assess the status of a metric within a set range. Gauge charts are widely used in dashboards where a quick, at-a-glance understanding of a single metric is needed.
Components of Gauge Chart in Tableau:
- Arc: This is the curved part of the chart that shows the range of possible values for the metric. It is usually a semicircle or part of a circle.
- Needle/Pivot: The needle or pointer shows the current value within the range. It moves along the arc to indicate where the value is located.
- Color bands: The arc is often divided into different colored segments to represent different performance levels, such as poor, average, and excellent. These color bands make it easy to see how the current value compares to the target.
- Labels: Labels indicate the minimum, maximum, and key intermediate values along the arc. These help users understand where the needle is pointing.
- Central label: Some gauge charts include a central label that displays the exact value of the metric, which provides additional clarity.
Use Case of Gauge chart in Tableau
- Instant information: Gauge charts provide a quick visual understanding of the status of a metric. The needles and color-coded categories make interpretation easy and intuitive.
- Track performance: They’re perfect for tracking how a value compares to a goal or benchmark, helping you see if everything is on track or if there are any issues.
- Visually appealing: Gauge charts are visually appealing, making them a popular choice in dashboards to highlight important information.
- Simple communication: The straightforward design of gauge charts makes them ideal for communicating data to people who might not be very technical.
- Goal comparison: Gauge charts are particularly useful for comparing a current value to a set goal or threshold, helping you assess progress and decide if action is needed.
Dataset description
There are six attributes that are included in the dataset that pertain to product sales. These attributes are as follows: Category, Product, Quantity, Unit Price, Total Price, and Profit. These attributes provide insights on the performance and profitability of other things. The dataset is given here.
Steps to create Gauge Chart in Tableau
Step 1: Open Tableau
Step 2: Click on Text file to connect with Tableau
There are lots of data sources that you can use in Tableau such as Microsoft Excel, JSON file, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL
Step 3: Browse csv file (or other file format as your need) and click on Open
Step 4: Click on Sheet 1 (Worksheet) to make visual
Step 5: Go to Analysis tab and select Create Calculated Field…
Step 6: Named the field and type following function; click on OK.
Step 7: Go to Analysis tab and select Create Calculated Field…
Step 8: Named the field and type following function; click on OK.
Step 9: Go to Analysis tab and select Create Calculated Field…
Step 10: Named the field and type following function; click on OK.
Step 11: Go to Analysis tab and select Create Calculated Field…
Step 12: Named the field and type following function; click on OK.
Step 13: Go to Analysis tab and select Create Calculated Field…
Step 14: Named the field and type following function; click on OK.
Step 15: Go to Analysis tab and select Create Calculated Field…
Step 16: Named the field and type following function; click on OK.
Step 17: Right click over field of Rows and select New Calculation
Step 18: Type 0 and hit Enter button
Step 19: Drag right SUM(0) by holding ctrl
Step 20: Click on Dropdown with Standard and select Entire View
Step 21: Go to All in Marks card and click on Dropdown with Automatic to select Pie
Step 22: Click on arrow in SUM(0) and select Dual Axis
Step 23: Click on Color in SUM(0) (2) and select color (recommended white)
Step 24: click on Size in SUM(0) and increase size by sliding blue stick right
Step 25: click on Size in SUM(0) (2) and increase size by sliding blue stick right
Step 26: Go to SUM(0); drag Measure Names over Color and drag Measure Values over Angle
Step 27: Drag all Measure Values (except Slice) to Table as shown in fig.
Step 28: Shift up with AGG(Slice 5) to between Slice 2 and Slice 3
Step 29: Go to SUM(0) and select Edit Colors…
Step 30: Give colors to Slice (recommended to follow fig) by clicking over particular slice
Step 31: Go to SUM(0) (2) under Marks card and drag Gross Profit Margin over Label
Step 32: You can shift text by dragging it after selecting middle part
Step 33: Click on Label and click on Font to format the text
Step 34: Drag Region in Filters shelf and click on OK
Step 35: Click on arrow of Region under filters shelf and select Show Filter
Step 36: Select (All) or any one or more
Conclusion:
Gauge charts are powerful tools for tracking progress, measuring performance, and comparing metrics against goals. Their visual appeal and ease of interpretation make them ideal for dashboards where quick understanding is essential. With Tableau’s advanced features, you can further customize and enhance your gauge charts to meet specific business needs, delivering actionable information that drives success.
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