Dynamic Trellis Chart: How to compare a single measure across multiple different dimensions in Tableau – Skill Pill Video

One of the strengths of Tableau data analytics and visualization tool is the dynamism and flexibility with which we can interfere on our visualizations to identify the information we need, faster. Today we will discuss a certain type of chart that we discussed in a previous post, but which we will make in a more dynamic and interactive way for end user. Therefore, we will create a dynamic trellis chart that gives more control to users in terms of visualizing their data.

If you would like to find out how to create a trellis chart, but also other information about this type of graphic, you can find out more here. Basically, a trellis chart is a group of smaller charts placed in the same view. You can often find it under the name “Small Multiples”. In a trellis chart we notice a repetition of graphs on a grid. A dynamic trellis chart is identical to what we mentioned before, the difference being given by certain parameters built to add interactivity to the final view.

How do we build a Dynamic Trellis Chart?

A dynamic trellis chart is a useful option when we need flexibility to explore data. Moreover, a dynamic trellis chart allows us to change the level of data, considering the parameter used. A trellis chart is often used when there are dimensions in our data set with a significant number of values. To better understand, we can imagine that in our analysis we have an axis that represents a period for which we analyze sales values, orders, or number of products ordered, associated with a dimension, such as: region, state, country, etc. What the trellis chart does is group and sort the dimension values in a single view so that data can be easily explored.

Returning to our dynamic trellis chart, it adds the possibility to interact more with our data. Thus, the user who interacts with the final view will be able to decide which data or information interests him and to modify the chart according to his needs. A dynamic trellis chart also allows data analysis by months, quarters, years for each dimension in our analysis.

The video below will show you all the steps you need to go through to build a dynamic trellis chart. They are also mentioned under the video.

Step 1: Connect to data

→ In Tableau Desktop, connect to to Tableau: Sample-Superstore.

Step 2: Create the visualization

→ Select Analysis > Create Calculated Field: Size
SUM({COUNTD([State])})

→ Select Analysis > Create Calculated Field: Columns
ABS(FIRST()) % ROUND(SQRT([Size]))

→ Select Analysis > Create Calculated Field: Rows
INT(ABS(FIRST())/ROUND(SQRT([Size])))

→ Select Analysis > Create Calculated Field: Order Date – Month
DATE(DATETRUNC(‘month’,[Order Date]))

→ Drag Columns on Columns

→ Drag Rows on Rows

→ Drag Profit on Rows

→ Drag Order Date – Month pe Columns and select Attribute

→ Drag Profit on Text

→ Drag Profit on Color

→ Drag Order Date – Month on Detail and select Discrete

→ Right-click on Columns and select ‘Edit Table Calculation…’, select ‘Specific Dimensions’, select ‘State’ and ‘Order Date – Month’. Select ‘State’ from field: ‘At the level’.

→ Do the same for Rows.

By Eduard Arhire

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