Most Popular Tableau Interview Questions & Answers

1
Most Popular Tableau Interview Questions
Answers By Analytics Training Tub

• Tableau Interview Questions You must know these
  all. Data has become the new currency of trade
  and every organization big or small wishes to
  have a bite of it. In these fast-paced times and
  the ever-expanding domain of the data industry,
  predicting trends by analyzing data has become of
  the utmost importance. The analysis of huge data
  sets using Data visualization tools has become
  all the more imperative and the need of the hour,
  with a shortage in the demand for professionals
  who are skilled in this art of data analytics and
  their demand on a constant rise over the last
  few years.
• Data Visualization has started a new trend in the
  data industry with the demand for skilled
  individuals soaring sky-high. It allows the
  professional to make a smarter decision-making
  process with the least granular data that they
  can get or scrub all the Noisy Data to gain
  meaningful insights into the business. Companies
  are ready to compensate any professional who can
  analyze the companys data and put it on the path
  of growth and success. This blog will extremely
  be helpful to anyone who has completed a
  certified course in Tableau and wishes to start
  looking for a good-paying job that uses Tableau
  as it is core competence software. Make certain
  to go through the most frequently asked tableau
  interview questions-
• Q1. What is Tableau?
• Is a business intelligence Software
• tfelps in creating a link between datasets
• Aids in visualization and creating interactive
  dashboards
• Q2. What are the different sub-products of
  Tableau?
• The different sub-products of Tableau are-

2

• Tableau Desktop This is a premium version
  of Tableau software. There are
• 2 plans for the software. The first one is
  for 999 for personal use for a
• year. The second option is 9,999 for
  professional use for a year. In both versions,
  the user using the Tableau desktop can create
  visualizations, all listed data sources can be
  connected using the app, access can be restricted
  to certain individuals, and many other features.
• Tableau Online tfelps the user publish
  dashboards/reports in real-time with colleagues
  for easier and faster business intelligence
  solutions, with complete access to colleagues to
  leave ideas on the dashboard with their color
  tags without changing the original data.
• Tableau Public This product of Tableau allows
  the user to create visualizations but does not
  allow the document to be saved anywhere except
  the Tableau server where once the workbook is
  posted it is available for public viewing
  purposes.
• Tableau Reader It is a free desktop application
  that allows the user to view visualizations and
  dashboards, without access to edit or interact
  with the visualization created.
• Tableau Server This is enterprise-level
  software that allows the user to upload or save
  a visualization or dashboard in the cloud server
  allocated for the company.
• Q3. What are the different data types in
  Tableau?
• Tableau supports the following data types-
• Boolean TRUE / FALSE
• Date Date values ( December 14, 2020)
• Date Time Date Timestamp values ( December
  14, 2020, 1812 PM)
• Geographical values geographical mapping (New
  York, France, India,
• Singapore)
• Text / String Text or string values (Welcome to
  Tableau)

3

• Number (Decimal) Decimal numbers (5.0000)
• Number (Whole) Whole numbers (6)
• Q4. What are Measures and Dimensions?
• Measures are numeric metrics or quantifiable
  quantities of data, which are evaluated by
  dimension tables. Numbers are stored in a table
  whose keys refer uniquely to the associated
  dimension tables. The table supports data
  storage at molecular levels and thus allows
  multiple records to be inserted at the same
  time. E.g., the Sales table can have a product
  key, customer ID key, several units sold key,
  etc.
• Dimensions are definitive attribute values for
  multiple dimensions of each attribute, defining
  multiple characteristics. A dimension table can
  have the reference of the key product from the
  table which may consist of the product name,
  size, color, type, etc.
• Q5. Difference between .twb .twbx extensions?
• .twb is a .xml document that includes all the
  selections data that the user may have used in
  a Tableau workbook, it does not include any
  data.
• .twbx is a zipped file consisting of a .twb and
  any other file that may have been used by the
  user like extracts, background images, etc.
• Q6. What are the varieties of joins used in
  Tableau?
• They are a lot similar to the joins one finds in
  SQL, it is a joining method for combining data
  on a common key
• Inner join the resulting table consists of
  values that have matches in both the tables

4
Left join The table consists of all values from
the left table and corresponding matches from
the right table. Right join It is the other
way around to the left join with the
corresponding matches from the left table. Outer
join The table consists of all values from both
the tables Union Join This is another style of
merging two or more tables by attaching rows of
data from one table to another. Q7. Describe the
distinction between Joining blending. Merging
data from two or more different sources is data
blending. E.g., data from multiple sources i.e.,
MS Excel, SQL Server, Oracle, etc are pooled into
one Tableau workbook. In data blending, each
data source consists of its own set of
dimensions measures. Joining is when two or
more tables from the same data source are
amalgamated into one workbook. The combined
tables or sheets consist of a common set of
dimensions and measures. Q8. Is there a
difference between groups and sets in Tableau? A
Tableau group is a one-dimensional representation
of data, used to create a higher-level category
by using lower-level category members. Tableau
sets can have several conditions and may be
grouped across multiple dimensions/measures. The
key disparity here is that all the groups will
comprise the same customers even if their
profits change later on. In the case of sets, if
the profit changes then the top five and bottom
five customers will change accordingly. Did you
Know?
5

• We cannot use groups in calculated fields, but we
  can use sets.
• Q9. In Tableau what is a Parameter?
• A parameter is a dynamic value that a user may
  choose, and also use to replace constant values
  in calculations, filters, and reference lines.
• Q10. Difference between Heat maps TreeMaps?
• tfeat Maps are used to compare categories using
  color and size. Using this method, the user may
  distinguish between two measures.
• Tree Maps are used to represent hierarchical
  data. The space in this view is divided into
  rectangles that are sized and ordered by a
  measure.
• Q11. What is the Tableau worksheet, dashboard,
  story workbook?
• Much like MS Excel, Tableau uses a workbook and
  sheet file structure.
• A workbook consisting of sheets may be referred
  to as a worksheet, dashboard, or story.
• A worksheet includes a single view along with
  shelves, legends, and a data pane.
• A dashboard is an assortment of views from
  numerous worksheets.
• A story is a categorization of worksheets or
  dashboards that work together to communicate
  information.
• Q12. What do you understand by blended axis?
• A blended axis is used for merging two measures
  that share the same axis when they have the same
  scale.

6

• Q13. What is the use of a Dual-axis?
• This feature allows the user to compare measures
  that are useful when the user wishes to compare
  two measures that have different scales.
• Q14. What is the difference between a Blended
  axis and a dual axis?
• The difference between a blended axis and a
  dual-axis chart is that the blended axis uses
  the same scale, while a dual axis can have two
  different scales or two mark cards.
• Q15. What is the rank function in Tableau?
• Based on a measure, ranking is assigning a
  position within a category.
• Q16. How can one schedule a Workbook in Tableau,
  and post its publication?
• After signing into the Tableau server-
• go to Content gt data sources or Content gt
  Workbooks, depending on the type of content the
  user wishes to refresh.
• Choose the checkbox for the data source or
  workbook The Operator intends to refresh, and
  then pick Actions gt Extract Refresh
• In the Refresh Extracts dialog, opt for Schedule
  a Refresh and
• complete the subsequent moves
• Pick the schedule The Operator wishes for.
• If offered, specify whether The Operator would
  like a complete or incremental refresh.
• Q17. How to deal with Null and other special
  values?

7

• If the field comprises vacant values or if there
  are zeros or negative values on a logarithmic
  axis, Tableau would not be able to plot them.
  Tableau flashes an indicator in the lower right
  corner of the view, which once the user clicks
  are displayed the following options to choose
  from
• Filter Data
• Omits all the null values from the visualization
  using a filter. In that case, the unimportant
  values are also omitted from any further
  calculations used in the visualization.
• Show Data at Default Position
• Displays the data at a default location on the
  axis.
• Q18. How to embed a webpage in a Dashboard?
• By following these steps any user can embed a
  webpage in a dashboard
• Go to dashboard
• Double click on the Webpage alternative
  available in the Objects option
• Enter the URL of the webpage in the dialog box
  that appears
• Q19. How to display the webpage as an
  infographic?
• Start by bringing up the map into view, which
  will showcase the states name
• Go to the dashboard.
• Double click the Webpage option available under
  Objects.
• Do not feed in a URL in the dialog box that
  appears and click on Ok.
• Click on the Dashboard in the menu and choose
  Action.

8

• Now, when The Operator clicks on any state, it
  will bring up the webpage of that state and this
  is how a dashboard is made dynamic.
• Q20. How to optimize the performance of a
  dashboard?
• There are many ways to enhance the performance of
  a dashboard
• By maximizing the number of fields and records.
  The user can exclude unused fields from the
  visualization or use extract filters.
• By restricting the number of filters used, by
  preventing quick filters
• and applying action parameter filters instead.
  These filters are accountable for diminishing
  query loads.
• Use Min/Max instead of using the Average function
  because average functions require more
  processing time than Min/Max.
• The use of Boolean or numerical calculations aids
  computers, as they can process integers and
  Boolean much more rapidly than strings.
• Q21. What visualization solutions would be used
  in the given scenarios?
• To show the average sales totals across a range
  of product categories and sub-categories
  TreeMap
• To demonstrate the period of events or activities
  the Gantt Chart
• To display quarter-wise growth Waterfall Chart
• Q22. How many tables can The Operator join in
  Tableau?
• A maximum of 32 tables can be merged in Tableau.
• Q23. What are the different connections a user
  can make with their dataset?

9

• The user can either connect live to their data
  set or extract data onto Tableau.
• Live Connecting live to a data set directly
  impacts the softwares computational processing
  and storage functions. Fresh queries will go to
  the database and will be reflected as new or
  updated within the data.
• Extract An extract will make a dummy file of the
  data to be used by Tableaus data engine. The
  dummy file of the data can be refreshed on
• a recurring schedule as a whole or incrementally
  attached data. One way is to set up these
  schedules is via the Tableau server.
• The advantage of using Tableau extract over a
  live connection is that extract may be used
  anywhere without any connection and The Operator
  can build their visualization without connecting
  to the database and impacting the functionality
  of the system.
• Q24. What are Shelves in Tableau?
• They are designated areas in Tableau software,
  where the user may place the fields or the data
  with which The Operator chooses to create a
  visual.
• Q25. What is the Tableau Data server?
• Tableau server functions as the mediator between
  Tableau users and data. Tableau Data Server
  permits the operator to upload and communicate
  data extracts, sustain database links, as well
  as recycle calculations and field data. This
  means that any changes that the user makes to the
  dataset, calculated fields, parameters, aliases
  or definitions can be saved and shared with
  others. Permitting a centrally secured, managed,
  and standardized dataset. Additionally, the user
  may choose to pull up from the servers resources
  to run queries on extracts without having to
  transfer them to the system in use.
• Q26. Define the Tableau data engine.
• Tableau Data Engine is a spectacular feature in
  Tableau. It is an investigative database
  designed to achieve instant query response, and
  predictive

10

• performance, and integrate seamlessly into
  existing data infrastructure with zero
  limitations to loadable data. If the user works
  with a large amount of data, it does not take
  time to import or create indexes and sort out
  data and after that speeds up the process.
  Tableau Data Engine is not in-memory technology.
  Post analysis the data is stored in a disk after
  being imported and the RAM is liberated for
  further tasks.
• Q27. What are the different types of Filters in
  Tableau and how are they different from each
  other?
• Filters in Tableau are used to restrict data from
  the database. The different types of filters
  are-
• Normal Filter-It is used to restrict data based
  on selected dimensions or measures from the
  database. A traditional filter can be created by
  just dragging the field onto the Filters shelf.
• Quick Filter- This filter helps view the filter
  or the filtering options used in each worksheet
  on a dashboard whilst changing a few values
  dynamically during runtime.
• Context filter This is used to filter the data
  that is transferred to each worksheet. When a
  worksheet queries a data source it generates a
  provisional table which it utilizes to compute
  the chart. These provisional tables comprise all
  the values that are not sorted out by either the
  Custom SQL or the Context Filter.
• Q28. What is Aggregation Disaggregation of
  data?
• The process of viewing numeric values or measures
  at higher and more concise levels of the data is
  called Aggregation. When the Operator places a
  measure on a shelf, Tableau automatically
  accumulates the data, usually by summing it. The
  Operator can easily determine the aggregation
  applied to a

11
field because the function always appears in
front of the fields name on being placed on a
shelf. For example, Sales becomes SUM(Sales).
The Operator can aggregate actions using Tableau
only for relational data sources.
Multidimensional data sources contain aggregated
data only. In Tableau, multidimensional data
sources are supported only in Windows operating
systems. Disaggregating the data allows the user
to view every row of the data source which can
be useful when The Operator is evaluating
countermeasures that The Operator may want to
use both independently and dependently in the
view. E.g., The Operator may be evaluating the
results from a product gratification survey with
the age of applicants along one axis. The
Operator can aggregate the Age field to
determine the average age of participants or
break down the data to determine what age
participants were most satisfied with which of
the products. Q29. What are Extracts Schedules
in a Tableau Server? Data extracts are the
primary copies of the original data from the data
sources. The workbooks which use data extracts
instead of using live database connections are
quicker as the extracted data is imported to the
Tableau Engine. After mining data, the operator
can publish the workbook which also publishes
the extracts in Tableau Server. Nevertheless, the
workbook and extracts will not refresh until the
operator applies a scheduled refresh on the
extracted data. Planned Refreshes are the
programmed tasks put in place for data
extraction refreshers so that the data is
refreshed automatically while publishing a
workbook with extracts. This also removes the
trouble of republishing the workbook every time
the concerned data gets updated. Q30. How to view
underlying SQL Queries in Tableau? To view SQL
queries, Tableau provides two options- 1.
Create a performance recording
12

• 2. Review the Tableau desktop logs
• Q31. How to do performance testing in Tableau?
• Performance testing is an integral part of
  imparting Tableau in the users work culture.
  This can be done by load testing the Tableau
  server with TabJolt.
• Q32. Name the components of a Dashboard.
• Horizontal tforizontal component allows the user
  to group worksheets and dashboard components
  left to right across the page and makes changes
  to the right of all elements simultaneously.
• Vertical Vertical containers allow the operator
  to club worksheets and dashboard elements from
  top to bottom whilst editing the width of all
  elements at once.
• Text All text-related fields.
• Image Extract A Tableau workbook is in an XML
  format. To extract pictures, Tableau applies
  certain codes to mine an image that can be
  stored in XML format.
• Web A URL measure is a hyperlink that directs
  the user to a Web
• page, file, or other web-based resources outside
  of Tableau. The
• Operator can use URL actions to link to more
  information about the data that may be hosted
  outside of The Operators data source. To make
  the link relevant to The Operator data, The
  Operator can substitute field values of a
  selection into the URL as parameters.
• Q33. From a Tableau auto-filter, how can one
  eradicate All options?
• The auto-filter provides an option for removing
  All options by simply selecting the down
  arrow in the auto-filter heading. The Operator
  can also scroll down to the Customize section
  in the dropdown and then uncheck the Show All
  value attribute. It can be activated by checking
  back the field again.

13

• Q34. How to add custom color to Tableau?
• Adding a custom color refers to the use of a
  power tool in Tableau. On saving the .tps file
  restart The Operator Tableau desktop. From the
  measures, the pane drags the desired color onto
  the Colour pane. From the color legend menu
  arrow, select Edit Colours. Once the dialog box
  opens, select the color The Operator wishes to
  customize The Operator Tableau in.
• Q35. What is a TDE file?
• A .tde file is an extension file that consists of
  data being extrapolated from external sources
  like MS Excel, MS Access, etc. There are two
  features of the TDE fabrication which make them
  perfect for data discovery analytics. The
  features are-
• It is a columnar storage structure
• The structure is solely responsible for the way
  they are loaded in
• Tableau. TDEs are architecturally aware and make
  the best use of each component of the computer
  hardware ranging from the RAM to
• the hard disk to perfectly fit its computing
  needs.
• Q36. How to automate reports in Tableau?
• To automate reports in tableau, the user would
  need to
• Publish a report to the Tableau server
• Whilst doing so the user will find an option for
  scheduled reports
• The operator needs to Select the frequency in how
  many minutes or hours he/she wishes to refresh
  the data.
• Q37. Describe Assume Referential Integrity.

14

• Q38. What is a default Data Blending Join?
• Data blending join allows the user to extract and
  compile data without the use of any special
  coding from several data sources into one Tableau
  Visual. A default data blend join functions as a
  left outer join but by switching the primary
  data source or by perforating the nulls it
  becomes possible to mimic left-right and inner
  joins.
• Q39. In Tableau what does the term Story
  imply?
• The term Story implies a sheet that consists of
  a sequence of worksheets or dashboards that work
  in tandem to convey a message. The user may
  create stories to show links between facts,
  provide context, showcase decision- making
  outcomes or simply make a compelling argument.
  Every single sheet in a story is known as a
  story point.
• Q40. Describe the distinction between Discrete
  and Continuous in Tableau.
• Discrete Continuous dimensions are the two
  types of data roles present in Tableau
• Discrete data roles are distinct and separate
  values and can only take up individual values in
  a range. These values are shown as blue-colored
  pills on the shelves and blue-colored icons on
  the visualization window.
• Continuous data roles are continuous data
  measures and can take on
• any value within an infinite or finite interval.
  Continuous variables behave similarly and are
  shown as green pills on the sheet.
• Q41. How can you create stories in Tableau?
• There are several ways of creating stories in
  Tableau. Every story point can either be viewed
  on the same visualization or can be based on a
  distinct dashboard or visualization which can be
  seen at different stages with various

15

• annotations and marks filtered added to them. You
  can use stories to make a business argument or
  narrate an order of events. To create a story in
  Tableau the user may follow the following steps-
• Click on the New Story tab
• From the lower left-hand corner choose from a set
  of pre-defined or custom sizes for your story in
  pixels.
• By default, you would notice your story taking
  the name of the sheet
• attached to it.
• To edit the title, double-click the title and
  make changes to the font, color, and alignment
  of the text and then click on Apply to view the
• changes made.
• To start building your story, drag the sheet from
  the story tab on the left and drop it in the
  center of the visualization
• Click on Add a Caption to review the story
  point
• To focus on the key idea of the story for the
  viewers, the user may either drag a text object
  to the story worksheet and type in a comment or
  change a filter and then save the changes by
  clicking on
• the Update button above the navigator box.

Q42. Describe the DRIVE program methodology.
Also, referred to as Tableau Drive, it is a
methodology for clambering out self-service
analytics. Tableau Drive is based on some of the
best practices and successful enterprise
deployments. The process relies on a much more
precise, iterative, and responsive technique
which is swift and efficient than the old school
long cycle implementations.
between and Tableau-
Q43. Describe the distinction

• embedded data sources published data sources.
• Published data source

16

• It consists of connection information that is
  independent of any workbook and may be used in
  multiple workbooks.
• Embedded data source
• It consists of connection information related to
  the workbook.
• Q44. Mention the different Tableau files.
• There are primarily 5 types of Tableau files
• Workbooks tfold one or more worksheets or
  dashboards.
• Bookmarks Consists of a single worksheet and
  makes it easy to share the sheet.
• Packaged Workbooks These holds a workbook and
  any supporting
• data or images related to the workbook.
• Data Extraction Files These files are a copy of
  the subset of the entire data source.
• Data Connection Files It is a minute .xml file
  with multiple connection info.
• Q45. How to insert views on a Webpage?
• As an operator Tableau allows you to insert
  infographics in blogs, webpages, web
  applications, wiki pages, and intranet portals.
  Inserted visualizations refresh and get updated
  as the foundation data changes, or the workbook
  is updated on the Tableau server.
• As the user following steps may be followed to
  insert visuals and adjust their appearance-

17

• Use the Tableau JavaScript API Web developers
  often use Tableau JavaScript API in web
  applications. To gain access to the API,
  documentation, code examples, and the Tableau
  developer community. Check out the Tableau
  Developer Portal.
• Q46. Fabricate a visual in a map so that if a
  user were to select any state, the cities under
  the state should show profit and sales.
• As per the requirement, the data set should
  consist of fields about the state, city, profit,
  and sales fields. The next step is-
• Double-click on the state field
• Tug on the city and drop it into the Marks card
• Tug on the sales and drop it into size
• Tug on the profit and drop it onto the color
• Click the size legend to expand the size
• Right-click on the state field and opt for show
  quick filter
• Choose any state and view the visual.
• Q47. Does Tableau work for a strategic
  acquisition?
• Certainly, Tableau provides the user with data
  understanding to an extent other tools might not
  be able to. Also, it helps the user to strategize
  and point out inconsistencies and innovate the
  process for the benefit of the firm.
• Q48. Can a user place an Excel file in a shared
  location and use it to generate a report and
  refresh it at regular intervals?
• Yes, the user is allowed to do so using Tableau.
  But for higher performance using Extract is
  highly recommended.
• Q49. Is Tableau available for macOS?

18
Tableau Desktop is obtainable for both Windows
and Mac operating systems.
Some useful Links Are Below To Know More About
our - Tableau Certification Course Must visit our
official youtube channel for FREE Tips
Knowledge - Analytics Training hub