Dimension, Measures, Discrete and Continuous Values..oh my

In Tableau, dimensions and measures are fundamental concepts that define the type of data being analyzed and how it can be used in visualizations. In Tableau's Data pane, each field is categorized as either a dimension or a measure based on the nature of the data it holds. 

Data field roles and types:

Data fields correspond to the columns within your data source. Each field is automatically designated with a data type, such as integer, string, or date, and a role, which can be either a discrete dimension or a continuous measure (though less commonly, it could also be a continuous dimension or a discrete measure).

Dimensions:

  • Dimensions represent qualitative data or categorical information.
  • They are typically descriptive attributes that provide context and categorization for the data.
  • Examples of dimensions include categories like Product, Customer, or Region.
  • Dimensions are displayed along the rows and columns of a visualization and are often used to segment or group the data.

Measures:

  • Measures represent quantitative data or numerical values that can be aggregated.
  • They are typically numeric fields that can be subjected to mathematical operations like sum, average, count, etc.
  • Examples of measures include numerical data such as Sales, Profit, Quantity, or Revenue.
  • Measures are used to perform calculations and create aggregations to analyze trends, patterns, and relationships in the data.

Discrete Values:

  • Discrete values refer to individual, distinct data points within a dataset.
  • In Tableau, dimensions are inherently discrete, meaning they represent specific categories or groups that are separate and distinct from one another.
  • Discrete values are typically used for categorical or qualitative data where each value is distinct and separate from others.

Continuous Values:

  • Continuous values refer to a range or continuum of data points within a dataset.
  • Measures in Tableau are typically continuous, meaning they represent numeric data that can take on any value within a range.
  • Continuous values are used for numerical or quantitative data where values can vary across a continuous scale.

Example Table: 


Discrete

Continuous

Measure

Discrete Measure


The quantity of products sold in whole numbers (e.g., 10 units, 20 units) is a discrete measure because it represents countable, distinct values.

Continuous Measure

Sales represented in decimal or monetary values (e.g., $1000.00, $2500.50) is a continuous measure because it can take any value within a range, allowing for fractional amounts.

Dimension

Discrete Dimension


Category such as "Technology," "Office Supplies," and "Furniture" are discrete dimensions because they represent separate and distinct categories without a continuum.

Continuous Dimension


Dates, such as "January 1, 2022," "January 2, 2022," and so on, are continuous dimensions because they form an unbroken sequence of time without interruption.

Example Visuals:

In summary, dimensions and measures are two primary types of fields in Tableau, with dimensions representing categorical data and measures representing numerical data. Discrete values are individual, distinct data points often associated with dimensions, while continuous values represent a range or continuum of numeric data often associated with measures. Understanding these concepts is essential for effectively analyzing and visualizing data in Tableau.

Author:
Salome Grasland
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