Top 30 Tableau Interview Questions & Answers

Data is considered one of a business’s most crucial aspects. One of the best tools for gathering and analysing data in a business environment is Tableau, which provides interactive, data-based displays. The growth of data-centric corporate processes has increased the demand for Tableau specialists. 

Therefore, we bring you a list of the top 30 Tableau interview questions and their answers to help you crack your next Tableau interview!

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Top Tableau Questions for Beginners

Here is a list containing the top tableau interview questions for beginners – 

What is Tableau?

Tableau is a Business Intelligence tool that allows anybody to connect to their individual data, visualise it, and build dynamic, shared dashboards. Any Excel user can easily learn it since it is simple, but it can also handle even the most challenging analytical situations. 

What does Tableau’s data visualisation mean?

A visually appealing and engaging method of representing data is called data visualisation. Technology improvements have led to a rise in the variety of business intelligence tools, which aid users in comprehending all kinds of data, including data points, data sets, charts, and graphs, so they may concentrate on the results rather than the tool itself.

Is there is difference between Business Intelligence tools and Tableau?

Yes, the main difference between Business Intelligence tools and Tableau is speed and efficiency. Here are a few other points that make these two different. 

Business Intelligence Tool	Tableau
There are hardware limitations in its architecture.	It does not have any limitations or dependencies.
These are traditional tools that work on complex technology.	It makes it dynamic by using straightforward associative search.
It does not handle multi-thread, multi-core computing, or in-memory.	It supports multi-thread, multi-core computing, and in-memory after integrating technology.
It has a pre-defined data view.	It does predictive analysis.

What is Tableau’s parameter?

The term “parameter” refers to a variable (numbers, date, or string) used in computations, filters, or reference lines in place of a constant value. 

For example, you can create a field that will return true if its sales are more than 20,000 and false if they are not. During calculations, the particular values are replaced by parameters, or you may change the value of computations by using parameters. Here are the choices for possible values for parameters – 

• All – Basic text field
• Range – A particular range to select the values from
• List –  A list of possible values

What are Dimensions and Measures?

Each field in a new source of data will either be mapped as a measure or a dimension in Tableau once we connect to it. The columns specified in the data source correspond to these fields. Each field is given a role and a data type (integer, string, etc.). 

• A dimension table analyses the numerical values that constitute measures. Measures are kept in a database that supports numerous entries and has foreign keys that uniquely relate to the relevant dimension tables.
• When defining comprehensive characteristics to classify, segment, and disclose the specifics of the data, Dimensions comprise qualitative values like names, dates, and geographic information.

What is Data Aggregation in Tableau?

Mathematical operations that accept several inputs and produce a single output are called aggregations. These operations include sum, average, count, and others. You may design aggregating dimensions and measurements in Tableau. Every time you add a measure to your view, an aggregate is automatically applied to that measure. Depending on the view’s context, a certain form of aggregate may be utilised.

The most common forms of aggregate used are –  Sum, Median, and Average. 

What are the different products of Tableau?

Here are the different Tableau products – 

• Desktop

Using desktop software, it is possible to build optimal searches from images of the data. Tableau Desktop builds an interactive display by incorporating data from many sources into its data engine.

• Server

Tableau servers assist in distributing published dashboards around the enterprise once you have published them using Tableau Desktop.

• Reader

You may open and explore data visualisations using the free Tableau Reader desktop application. You can dig down the data or filter it, but you aren’t allowed to alter any formula or do anything else. 

• Public

By storing your data visualisations on Tableau Server as worksheets or workbooks, you can use Tableau Public, another free feature, to see them.

• Online

Although it is a premium feature, Tableau online does not need exclusive installation. It is used to spread published dashboards worldwide and is included in the programme.

What is the main goal of Tableau?

(This is one of the most frequently asked questions for Tableau beginners.)

The main objective of Tableau is to make data more visible and understandable. Tableau’s software solutions provide users with access to the power of data, enabling a large group of corporate users to interact with their data, ask questions, find solutions to issues, and generate value.

What are filters, and how many types of filters are available in Tableau?

(This question is frequently asked to beginner-level Tableau developers.)

A filter limits irrelevant information and only display what the user specifically requests. There are mainly three types of filters available in Tableau – 

• Context Filter
• Quick Filter
• Datasource Filter

What are the different connections that can be made with a dataset?

There are two ways connections can be made with a dataset – 

1. Live Connection – The processing and storage of a data set require a live connection. The database will update or represent new queries as new within the data when new queries are sent.
2. Extract – For Tableau’s data engine to utilise the data, an extract will create a static snapshot of the data. Data snapshots can be updated on a regular basis, either in full or incrementally. 

What are the different Join types in Tableau?

The formats of Tableau and SQL are very similar. Therefore, the Join types for both are also similar – 

Left Join	All the data from the left table are combined with the equivalent matches from its right table using a left join.
Right Join	All the data from the right side of the table and matching entries from the left table are combined in a right join.
Inner Join	The table with values that match both tables is combined via an inner join. When a value is inconsistent across the two tables, it is completely discarded.
Full Outer Join	All of the values of both tables are combined in a full outer join. You will see a null value within that grid whenever a value from one of the tables does not match a value from the other table.

What are sets in Tableau?

Sets are unique fields that define a subset of data in line with certain requirements. A set could be predicated on a calculated factor, such as clients with sales over a certain threshold. Computed sets are updated as the data changes. 

What are Tableau groups?

By using dimensions, we can show greater memberships in our groups. Each group might design its own field for classifying values in that particular dimension.

For example, you might want to group particular majors together to form categories if you are working with a view that displays average test results by major.

What is Tableau’s hierarchical field?

In Tableau, data digging is accomplished via a hierarchical field. It requires looking at your data in depth.

What is a Data Server in Tableau?

A Tableau Data Server contains and manages database connections and data extracts, which can be safely accessed and shared with other users. 

Top Tableau Questions for Intermediate Level 

Here is a list of questions generally asked at the intermediate level – 

What is the difference between Blending and Joining?

When merging data from one source with numerous tables, sheets, or any other sources, data joining is helpful.

Contrarily, data blending is the mixing of information from two or more separate sources like SQL servers, Oracle, Excel, and others.

What is Data Engine in Tableau?

The Tableau Data Engine is one of Tableau’s most cutting-edge features. Its analytical database was developed to offer a quick response to the user, predictive performance, simple integration into the present data architecture, and similar characteristics. It is not limited to loading whole data sets into memory.

Is it possible to create a calculated field in Tableau? How?

Yes, you can very easily create a calculated field in Tableau. Here are the steps to achieve it – 

• To launch the calculation editor, click “Create > Calculated Field” from the drop-down menu next to Dimensions on the Data panel.
• Name your new field and create, then create a formula. 

What is a tree map and heat map in Tableau?

Comparing categories based on size and colour can be achieved with a heat map. 

On the other hand, a tree map is considered a particularly strong visualisation since it can be used to show part-to-whole connections and hierarchical data.

How to achieve Performance Testing in Tableau?

Tableau’s implementation relies heavily on performance testing. A load generation tool developed for QA, TabJolt, can be used to test Tableau Server.

How is Custom Colour added to Tableau?

In Tableau, adding a custom colour is a power tool. 

• After you save the.tps file, restart your Tableau desktop.
• You can colour a measurement by dragging it from the Measures window.
• The menu arrow adjacent to the colour legend should be used to select Edit Colors. Pick the palette from the drop-down list in the dialogue box that will display, then make the required adjustments.

What is a TDE file?

TDE, which ends in .tde, is a Tableau desktop file. It relates to a file that has data that has been taken from another source, such as a CSV file, MS Excel, or MS Access.

Can you create a relational join without creating a new table in Tableau?

Yes, relational joins can be made in Tableau without using a new table.

How to automate reports in Tableau?

You must publish reports to the Tableau server. During publishing, you will discover a scheduling option. You just choose the time you want to refresh the data, and the automation of reports is complete. 

What is a Story in Tableau?

A story is a worksheet that consists of several pages or dashboards that work together to show information. Stories may be used to present a compelling argument, provide context, show how actions affect outcomes, or simply link the facts. 

Top Tableau Questions for Experts

Here is a list of questions generally asked at the expert level in the field. 

What is the difference between Continuous and Discrete Fields in a Tableau?

Continuous	Discrete
We may view the data as a continuous whole, thanks to continuous fields. Tableau creates axes when continuous fields are used.	We may divide our data into separate, distinct, or exclusive components thanks to discrete fields. Tableau creates headers and labels when we utilise discrete fields.

What is Data Modeling?

The study of datasets utilised in business or other contexts, as well as the discovery of the connections between these data objects, constitute data modelling. This is the first step in writing object-oriented code.

How many rows can Tableau use at once?

The amount of rows in the table has no bearing on Tableau. Because Tableau just fetches the rows and columns, it may access petabytes of data.

What is a bin in Tableau?

Bins in Tableau are identical-sized containers used to store data values that fit within the bin’s boundaries. In other words, bins separate the data into equal-sized groups so it can be examined methodically. 

What is hybrid inheritance in c++?

The process through which one class acquires property from another is known as inheritance. There are two types of classes – 

• The base class or parent of that class is the one whose properties are inherited. 
• The derived class is the parent class that receives an inheritance from the properties of the base class.

Hybrid inheritance in C++ is the blending of several inheritance structures, such as multiple, simple, and hierarchical inheritances.

One class is descended from a single base class in simple inheritance. A class is descended from two classes in multiple inheritances, where one of the parents is itself a descended class. A single base class can produce several derived classes thanks to hierarchical inheritance. This is also known as a multilevel inheritance in c++.

What is not possible with Tableau?

• Tableau performs very little pre-processing because it is primarily used for data visualisation. 
• Dashboards appear distinct when launched on a screen with a different resolution.
• Tableau is expensive and doesn’t have any plans that are specific to the requirements of enterprises.
• As Tableau Public doesn’t encrypt uploaded files, users that use Tableau for free and publish their work there may pose a security risk.

Key Takeaway

Knowing your way through the fundamental and advanced aspects of Tableau can substantially boost your chances of success in a Tableau interview. We hope our list of the most commonly asked questions will help you prepare for the big day! 

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