Tableau Filters Basics
Filters control which data appears in your view. Instead of showing everything in your dataset, filters narrow the result to exactly what you need. Tableau offers several types of filters, each working at a different stage in the data flow.
Why Filters Matter
Imagine a store with 50,000 transactions. You only want to analyze sales from the past year in the Western region. Without filters, every chart shows all 50,000 rows. With filters, the same charts show only the relevant slice. Filters keep your analysis focused and your charts readable.
The Filter Order of Operations
Tableau applies filters in a specific order. Knowing this order prevents unexpected results. Each filter type runs at a different stage of the data pipeline.
Diagram: Filter Order (Top to Bottom)
1. Extract Filters
(Applied when data is extracted from source)
|
v
2. Data Source Filters
(Applied before data reaches any sheet)
|
v
3. Context Filters
(Create an independent filter environment)
|
v
4. Dimension Filters
(Filter by categories — applied on Dimensions)
|
v
5. Measure Filters
(Filter by numeric values — applied after aggregation)
|
v
6. Table Calculation Filters
(Applied after table calculations run)
Adding a Basic Dimension Filter
Drag any Dimension from the Data Pane to the Filters shelf. A dialog box opens. For text fields, you see a list of all unique values — check or uncheck the ones you want. For date fields, you can filter by year, quarter, month, or a custom date range. Click OK and the view updates immediately.
Example: Filter by Region
Available Regions: East, West, South, Central You check: East, West You uncheck: South, Central Result: Chart shows only East and West data
Adding a Measure Filter
Drag a Measure to the Filters shelf. Tableau asks how you want to filter it. Choose "Sum of Sales" for example. Then set a range — for instance, keep only rows where total Sales is greater than $10,000. This removes low-value entries from the chart.
Measure Filter Options
| Option | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Range of values | Keep values between a min and max |
| At least | Keep values above a minimum |
| At most | Keep values below a maximum |
| Special | Keep only Null or Non-Null values |
Quick Filters (Show Filter)
You can turn any filter into an on-screen control so viewers can change it themselves. Right-click a field on the Filters shelf and select "Show Filter." A filter control appears on the right side of the view. Viewers use it to include or exclude values without editing the underlying sheet.
Filter Control Types
| Control Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Single value list | Choosing one option at a time |
| Multiple values list | Checking multiple options at once |
| Single value dropdown | Compact space, one selection only |
| Slider | Numeric ranges (sales between X and Y) |
| Wildcard match | Type letters to search and filter text |
Date Filters
Date fields get special filter options. Drag Order Date to the Filters shelf. Tableau asks what level to filter: Year, Quarter, Month, Week, Day, or a relative date (like "Last 30 days"). Relative date filters update automatically as time passes — a "Last 30 days" filter always shows the most recent 30 days without manual updates.
Relative Date Example
Today = June 15 Filter: Last 7 days → Shows June 9 to June 15 automatically Tomorrow when viewed again: Filter: Last 7 days → Shows June 10 to June 16 automatically
Null Value Handling
Null means missing or empty. When your data has null values in a filtered field, Tableau asks whether to include or exclude them. By default, Tableau excludes null values from most charts. Right-click the field on the Filters shelf, click "Edit Filter," and use the "Special" tab to control null behavior explicitly.
Clearing Filters
To remove a filter, right-click it on the Filters shelf and select "Remove." To temporarily disable a filter without removing it, right-click and uncheck "Enable." This keeps the filter settings saved but turns it off until you re-enable it.
Summary
Filters limit which data appears in your chart. Dimension filters keep or remove category values. Measure filters keep or remove rows based on numeric thresholds. Use "Show Filter" to give viewers an on-screen control. Date filters support relative options like "Last 30 days" that update automatically. Tableau applies filters in a set order — understanding that order prevents surprising results as your analysis grows more complex.