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Parameters in Tableau allow the end user to dynamically control a viz or dashboard. Here's a quick overview of how to set them up and some use cases:
- Create a parameter. This is where you control the options your end user will have.
- Create a calculated field using the parameter. This adds a field to your dataset that is based on the parameter. Sometimes, this can be as simple as having the field populate with the selected parameter value for every row in your data source. Often, you'll check some other field against your parameter to return a boolean (True or False). Occassionally, you'll create a more complicated calculation or logical argument.
- Use the calculated field to affect the viz. Here are a few different ways you can do that:
- Drag it onto the color shelf to apply different color to the selected parameter.
- Use it to set the value on a reference line.
- Use it as a "sort by" field.
- Set it as a filter to dynamically switch charts on a dashboard.
Parameters are a powerful and versatile tool in Tableau. Depending on your use case, the details within each of these steps will vary, but the general concept will be the same.