Tableau Change Bar Chart Color Based On Value
Introduction
Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool that is used by many organizations and individuals to make sense of their data. One of the features of Tableau is the ability to create bar charts, which are a great way to compare the values of different categories of data. In this article, we will discuss how to change the color of a bar chart based on the value of the data. This can be useful when you want to highlight certain values or categories in your chart.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the steps to change the color of a bar chart based on the value of the data:
Step 1: Create a bar chart
The first step is to create a bar chart in Tableau. To do this, drag the category or dimension that you want to compare to the Columns shelf, and drag the measure that you want to visualize to the Rows shelf. Tableau will automatically create a bar chart for you.
Step 2: Create a calculated field
The next step is to create a calculated field that will determine the color of the bars based on the value of the data. To do this, right-click on the measure that you want to use for color, and select "Create Calculated Field".
In the calculated field dialog box, give your calculated field a name, and then enter a formula that will determine the color of the bars. For example, if you want to color the bars based on whether the value is above or below a certain threshold, you could use the following formula:
IF [Measure] > [Threshold] THEN "Above" ELSE "Below" END
Replace "Measure" with the name of your measure, and "Threshold" with the value that you want to use as the threshold. You can also use other logical operators in your formula, such as "<", "<=", ">", and ">=". Once you have entered your formula, click "OK" to create the calculated field.
Step 3: Assign colors to the calculated field
The next step is to assign colors to the values in your calculated field. To do this, click on the "Color" button in the Marks card, and select "Edit Colors".
In the Edit Colors dialog box, select "By Field", and then select the name of your calculated field from the drop-down menu. Tableau will automatically assign colors to the values in your calculated field.
Step 4: Adjust the color palette
The final step is to adjust the color palette to your liking. You can do this by clicking on the "Edit Colors" button again, and then selecting "Palette" from the drop-down menu.
In the Palette dialog box, you can select a different color palette, adjust the color saturation and brightness, and even create your own custom color palette. Once you are satisfied with your color choices, click "OK" to apply the changes.
Conclusion
Changing the color of a bar chart in Tableau based on the value of the data is a great way to highlight certain values or categories in your chart. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a bar chart that is not only informative, but also visually appealing. Experiment with different color palettes and formulas to find the best combination for your data.