Data: Tableau Public Cheat Sheet

Tableau Public Cheat Sheet

Set-up and Installation

How to Load Data

  • Open Tableau Public and click File → Open or Connect to Data.
  • Tableau offers numerous sample data sets for you to experiment with.
  • You can upload data in a variety of formats. Additionally, if you get the paid version, you hook Tableau up to your own databases and create "real time" dashboards (common in industry).

What is a Sheet?

A Sheet is a single visualization (chart, map, table, etc.). It’s the basic building block in Tableau. You can create multiple sheets, then combine them into a Dashboard later.

Measures vs. Dimensions

  • Dimensions = categories, qualitative fields (e.g., Country, Product, Year).
    • Typically discrete values.
    • Used to group the data into categories.
  • Measures = numeric fields (e.g., Sales, Profit, Temperature).
    • Typically continuous values.
    • Used for calculations, aggregations (SUM, AVG).
  • Tableau automatically separates them in the sidebar:
    • Top = Dimensions
    • Bottom = Measures

"Show Me" Chart Recommendations

The Show Me panel (top-right) suggests visualizations. Hover over each chart type to see the minimum number of dimensions/measures required.

Example:

  • Bar charts need 1 dimension + 1 measure
  • Scatter plots need 2 measures
  • Maps need geographic dimension + measure (optional)

Drag fields onto rows/columns, then click a chart type in Show Me.

How to Create a Dashboard

A Dashboard combines multiple sheets into one interactive view. Steps:

  1. Click New Dashboard (bottom tab).
  2. Drag your sheets from the left sidebar into the workspace.
  3. Adjust layout (floating vs. tiled).
  4. Add filters so clicking in one chart updates others.

How to Publish to Tableau Public

When ready, click File → Save to Tableau Public. You’ll need a free Tableau Public account.

Once published:

  • The visualization is accessible via a public link.
  • You can embed it in a website, share on social media, or download later.