Top Tableau Interview Questions and Answers

Explore the most popular Tableau interview questions and answers to succeed in your next data scientist or data analyst analytics interview.

Today, the amount of information collected is greater than ever but also more complex. For this reason, organizations find it difficult to manage and analyze their data. Thanks to modern business intelligence, organizations are getting closer and closer to understanding the value of data-driven decision-making. A business intelligence tool for visualizing data, Tableau is one of the most popular tools for data discovery. It helps individuals see and understand the data. If you are looking for Tableau interview questions that may be asked during your interview, you must go through these questions, which will be helpful in building your career. These are designed to get you familiar with the nature of Tableau interview questions you may come across while interviewing Tableau.

Must Check: Tableau Tutorial

List of the Most Popular Tableau interview questions

Prepare for your next Tableau interview with these interview questions. These questions start from the basics of Tableau and then the advanced ones –

Q1. What is Tableau?

Ans. Tableau software is a popular data visualization Business Intelligence (BI) tool. It connects easily to any data source, be it web-based data, warehouse, or Microsoft excel. Moreover, Tableau allows data visualizations to be generated as dashboards and worksheets.

Must Check: Introduction to Tableau

Must Check: Product of Tableau

Q2. What is LOD expression?

Ans. Level of Detail expressions or LOD expression offers a way to easily commute aggressions that are not at the level of detail of the visualization. With this, you can attach more than one dimension to any aggregate expression.

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Q3. What are some of the new features introduced in Tableau 9.1?

Ans. New features introduced in Tableau 9.1 are –

• Visual analytics
• Mobile
• Data
• Enterprise

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Q4. What is the difference between Tableau and Qlikview?

Ans. This is one of the most frequently asked Tableau interview questions.

Tableau:

• More connectors
• No coding is required
• Interface is simple
• Doesn’t render a feature to search content across all your data

Qlikview:

• Easy to use and discover the hidden trends
• Offers a personal edition free
• Data is stored in qvd form from the performance point of view
• Great capabilities for processing data

Must Check: Qlikview vs Tableau

Q5. What are the traits to differentiate data sources?

Ans. The data source is differentiated on the basis of the following characteristics:

• Connection type
• Icon/Name
• Connects to
• Live or Last extract

Must Check: Connecting Data in Tableau

Must Check: Union in Tableau

Q6.  How do you handle large datasets in Tableau, and what techniques do you use to optimize performance?

Ans. To handle massive large datasets in Tableau, data sources and techniques to optimize performance should be considered. We can use some techniques to handle large datasets and optimize performance in Tableau, which are as follows:

1. Data extraction: Tableau allows data extraction from the source and stores it in a Tableau Data Extract (TDE) file. When you extract data, the dataset’s size is reduced, thereby enhancing performance.
2. Data filtering: Filter the data to focus on a specific subset relevant to the analysis. Use filters to reduce the amount of data being processed and improve performance.
3. Aggregation: Data aggregation also helps reduce the dataset size and gives a more concise view of the data.
4. Data partitioning: Data partitioning allows splitting a large dataset into smaller subsets.
5. Optimizing calculations: Tableau’s built-in functions can be used to perform calculations efficiently.
6. Utilizing Tableau server: Tableau server helps offload processing from the client machine to the server, which helps in improving performance when dealing with large datasets.
7. Using proper data structure: A proper data structure and format, such as a columnar format, can help optimize the performance.

In summary, handling large datasets in Tableau requires combining techniques to optimize performance.

Q7. Can you explain how you would create a table calculation in Tableau?

In Tableau, a table calculation is a computation performed on the values in a visualization based on the data in the view. To create a table calculation in Tableau, we can follow below steps:

• Open a workbook in Tableau and create a visualization.
• Drag the required fields to the Rows or Columns shelf.
• Click on a pill in the Rows or Columns shelf to select it.
• Right-click on the selected pill and choose “Add Table Calculation” from the context menu.
• Select the desired calculation type in the “Table Calculation” dialogue box (e.g., running total, percent of the total, etc.).
• Configure the calculation settings (e.g., compute using, addressing, partitioning).
• Click “OK” to apply the table calculation to the visualization.

Q8. Mention whether you can have multiple value selections in the parameter.

Ans. Yes, in Tableau, we can have multiple value selections in a parameter. Multiple select parameters help in improving parameter functionality and design on dashboards.

A parameter is a dynamic input that allows users to choose a value or a range of values that affect the visualization or calculation. By default, parameters in Tableau allow only a single value selection, but this setting can be changed for multiple value selections.

Q9. Name some types of filters in Tableau.

Ans. Normal filters, context filters, and custom filters are some of the types of filters in Tableau.

Must Check: Extract and Data Source Filter

Must Check: Context Filter

Q10. What are the four different kinds of shelves in Tableau?

Ans. Tableau has different kinds of shelves in rows, columns, filters, and pages.

Q11. Name some file extensions in Tableau.

Ans. Some of the file extensions in Tableau are –

• Datasource (.tds)
• Bookmark (.tdm)
• Preferences (.tps)
• Workbook (.twb)
• Mapsource (.tms)

Must Check: File Type in Tableau

Q12. Explain Data blending.

Ans. Data blending is a method for coalescing data that supplements a table of data from one data source from columns of a table from another data source.

Q13. How many tables can you join?

Ans. One can join a maximum of 32 tables in Tableau.

Q14. What are the different components of a dashboard?

Ans. The different components of a dashboard are –

• Web
• Text
• Image Extract
• Horizontal
• Vertical

Q15. What is the TDE file?

Ans. TDE stands for Tableau data extract. It refers to the file that comprises data extracted from external sources like CSV files, MS Excel, or MS Access.

Q16. Name the different products Tableau offers.

Ans. Tableau offers products like –

• Desktop
• Reader
• Public
• Server

Must Check: Products of Tableau

Q17. How to get the current date and time?

Ans. We get the current date and time by using the NOW () function.

Must Check: Date and Time Function

Q18. Explain the Gantt chart.

Ans. Used for visualizing project schedules, Gantt Chart demonstrates the progress of a task’s value over time.

Q19. What are the reasons for the slow performance in Tableau?

Ans. One of the reasons is the slow data sources. This might be because your CSV file is too big or your database is old for reading. You can improve the Tableau experience in the following ways:

• Use extracts
• Limit the amount of data you bring in – both rows and columns
• Switch data source using the “extract function.”
• Pre-aggregate your data before bringing it into Tableau.

Q20. Which function is used to return the number of items in a group?

Ans. The count () function returns the number of items in a group.

Must Read: Aggregation Function in Tableau

Q21. Define sets.

Ans. Sets are used to define a subset of data depending on certain conditions. There are many ways to create a set based on a filter you have already mentioned.

Q22. How many types of Joins can you use in Tableau?

Ans. There are four types of Joins in Tableau:

• Left
• Right
• Inner
• Full outer

Must Check: Joins in Tableau

Q23. What do you mean by groups?

Ans. Groups are used on calculated fields as a mixture of dimension members that makes higher-level categories.

Must Check: Groups in Tableau

Q24. Explain Tableau Data Server.

Ans. Tableau Data Server enables you to share and upload data extracts and reuse calculations and field metadata, making connecting to data transparent and much easier.

Q25. What is the difference between Measures and Dimensions?

Ans. Measures

• Generates axes when added to rows and columns shelves
• Dependent variable
• Stored in a table that has foreign keys
• Numeric units analyzed by dimension table

        Dimensions

• Descriptive attributes values define multiple characteristics
• Generate headers when added to rows and columns shelves
• Independent variable
• Considered more complex

Must Check: Dimension and Measure in Tableau

Q26. Which charts have you worked on?

Ans. This is among the most frequently asked Tableau interview questions.

• Bar and Line Chart
• Pareto Chart
• Gantt Chart
• Box and Whisker Chart
• Waterfall Chart
• Donut Chart
• Funnel Chart
• Dual Axis Chart

Must Check: Types of Chart in Tableau

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Q27. What is the maximum number of tables that can be joined in Tableau?

Ans. The maximum number of tables that can be joined in Tableau is 32. The table size is restricted to 255 columns.

Q28. What is the Tableau Data Engine?

Ans. Tableau Data Engine is an interface to extract all data from the machine and ensure the fastest response time. After completing the task, the Tableau Data Engine can unleash its memory.

Q29. What is the Tableau Server Repository?

Ans. It is a database that stores server data like information about server users, groups and assignments, permissions, projects, and data sources. It also extracts metadata and refreshes information.

Q30. What are the different types of Dimensions?

Ans. There are nine different types of Dimensions –

1. Slowly Changing Dimensions
2. Rapidly Changing Dimensions
3. Junk Dimensions
4. Inferred Dimensions
5. Conformed Dimensions
6. Degenerated Dimensions
7. Role-Playing Dimensions
8. Shrunken Dimensions
9. Static Dimensions

Q31. What is VIZQL in Tableau?

Ans. VizQL is a visual query language. It sends queries directly to the data source and then expresses that data as images. VizQL helps the user to understand data by abstracting the underlying complexities of query and analysis.

Q32. What is the Truth Table?

Ans. Truth Table is a collection of facts that determine the truth or falsity of a proposition. It works as a complete theorem-prover and is of three types –

• Accumulative Truth Table
• Photograph Truth Table
• Truthless Fact Table

Q33. What are the Default Geographic Roles?

Ans. This one is also among the most frequently asked Tableau interview questions –

Default Geographic Roles are –

Code (U.S)

CBSA/MSA (U.S)

general assembly Districts (U.S)

Cities

Country/Region

County

States/Provinces

nada Codes/ communicating Codes

Q34. What is a Hierarchical Field?

Ans. Tableau hierarchical field is a data model that organizes data into a tree-like structure. Here the data is stored as records, connected to one another through links. Tableau’s hierarchical field enables viewing the data at a more granular level.

Q35. What is the Dual Axis?

Ans. Dual axes are two independent axes layered on each other. Dual axes help a user to compare multiple measures simultaneously and is believed to be an excellent phenomenon supported by Tableau.

Q36. How to do Performance Testing in Tableau?

Ans. Performance testing can be done by loading Testing Tableau Server with TabJolt, a “Point and Run” load generator for QA. While TabJolt sets a baseline. One can also use workbooks with calculations and extracts as the data source for testing.

Q37. What is Assume Referential Integrity?

Ans. Assume Referential Integrity helps to improve query performance. When a user selects the Assume Referential Integrity option, Tableau will include the joined table in the query if fields in the view suggest it.

Q38. What is the use of a Blended Axis?

Ans. A blended Axis is used when more than two measures are used in multi-line graphs or charts and then presented in a single pane. You can achieve this by dragging one measure or axis and dropping it onto an existing axis.

Q39. What are Dimensions and Facts?

Ans.

Dimensions – Fields that cannot be aggregated

Facts – Refers to the measurable attributes of the data, such as numerical values, product names, geographical names, etc.

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Q40. What is the Metadata?

Ans. Metadata refers to detailed information about the data system and its contents. It helps to define the type of data or information.

Q41. What is the Heat Map?

Ans. It is the methodology to represent the data using the color-coding technique graphically. It represents different values of data. Higher values are presented in darker colors, thus the name.

Q42. What is the TreeMap?

Ans. Treemap is a visualization that has data organized hierarchically. It presents the data as a set of nested rectangles whose size and colors correspond to their values. In a treemap, parent rectangles are tiled with their child elements.

Q43. What is the Page Shelf?

Ans. Page Shelf is a powerful Tableau tool that controls the output display. It breaks a view into a series of pages and displays an alternate view on each page for an easier understanding of the user and better data analysis.

Q44. What is the use of a Bin?

Ans. Bin is a user-defined gathering of measures in the information source. They are used to create a data range. It is similar to SQL Buckets.

Q45. What are the Filter Actions?

Ans. Filler activities send data in between worksheets. Normally, filler actions transmit data from a selected mark to another sheet indicating related data. In the background, filler activities send information values from the pertinent source fields as filters to the target sheet.

Q46. What is the use of Global Filters, and where can they be used?

Ans. Global Filters enable users to create filters at the dashboard level. They can be used as a part of sheets, dashboards, and stories.

Q47. What is Data Visualization?

Ans. In simpler terms, data visualization is a graphical representation of information and data. Visual tools such as maps, graphs, or infographics can be used for data visualization. This way, it is much easier to understand the trends, patterns, values, etc.

Since our brain assimilates, processes, and remembers information perceived through sight better, data visualization makes it easier to understand data.

Read more about Data Visualization – Getting Started with Data Visualization: from Analysis to Aesthetics

Q48. Why should we choose data visualization?

Ans. Since it is easier to view and understand complex data in the form of charts or graphs, the trend of data visualization has picked up rapidly. Some of the benefits offered by data visualization are –

• Allows managing and customizing your dashboards to obtain the answers that allow you to optimize your decision making
• Reduces the time to make decisions and draw conclusions because graphs are easier to interpret than millions of data in cells.
• Allows the identification of relationships between variables and atypical data obtained after the execution of the data processing algorithms.
• Helps to detect trends in the market to anticipate future consumer needs.
• Provides real-time knowledge of the company’s situation since the visualization tools are constantly updated.
• Facilitates the communication and explanation of the data to the rest of the employees or leaders of the company.

Q49. What is an Authentication Server?

Ans. An authentication server is a network server that validates and authenticates remote users or IT nodes to get to a network. It can inhabit a dedicated PC, an Ethernet switch, an access point, or a server-accessed system.

Q50. What is a Marks Card?

Ans. Marks Card is an essential component for visual examination. It helps to control how data will be displayed in the view. Marks card encodes the information using different sizes, colors, text, shapes, and details.

Q51. Can you create relational joins in Tableau without creating a new table?

Ans. Yes, we can create relational joins without creating a new table.

Tableau offers several options for creating joins between tables, including:

1. Drag and drop: We can drag a field from one table and drop it onto a field in another table to create a join.
2. Join dialog box: We can open the Join dialog box by clicking the “Join” button in the Data Source tab and then selecting the tables we want to join, the join type, and the join criteria.
3. Data blending: Data blending allows to combine data from multiple sources in a single view without creating a new table.

Without creating a new table, we can specify the join criteria in all these methods, such as which fields to join and how to match the data.

Q52. What are the parameters?

Ans. Parameters are dynamic values that can change constant values in calculations, reference lines, and filters.

These were some of the most commonly asked Tableau interview questions. I hope this article on Tableau interview questions helped you to sharpen your knowledge further and will help you to crack your next Tableau interview.

All the best!