A column chart is a type of visualization that shows the values of a variable using vertical bars. An ordered column chart is a column chart that sorts the bars by their values in ascending or descending order.
Keep on Reading: Tableau Data Analyst Certification Questions »

Desktop Specialist
Learn more about Desktop Specialist Certification.
Data Analyst
Learn more about the Data Analyst Certification.
Server Certified
Learn more about the Tableau Server Certification.
🎁 Did you know you can get $30 for sharing your work and certification experiences? Write and get paid for every article. Learn more »
To create an ordered column chart in Tableau, follow these steps:
- Connect to your data source and drag the variable you want to use as the bars to the Columns shelf. For example, if you want to create a column chart of sales by product category, drag Product Category to Columns.
- Drag the measure you want to use as the values of the bars to the Rows shelf. For example, drag Sales to Rows.
- Change the mark type from Automatic to Bar. This will create a column chart with different heights based on the values of the measure.
- To sort the columns by their values, click on the axis header and select Sort. In the Sort dialog box, choose Ascending or Descending as the Sort Order and Field as the Sort By option. Then select Sales as the Field Name and Sum as the Aggregation.
- Optionally, you can add labels, tooltips, filters, legends, titles, and other formatting options to enhance your visualization.
You have now created an ordered column chart in Tableau!
Keep reading: Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification Questions »

An ordered column chart can be useful for businesses in many ways. Here are some examples of how businesses can benefit from using this type of visualization:
- An ordered column chart can help compare different categories or groups based on a common measure. For example, a business can use an ordered column chart to compare sales by product category or region and identify which ones are performing well or poorly.
- An ordered column chart can help identify trends or patterns based on a measure over time. For example, a business can use an ordered column chart to track sales by month or quarter and see how they change over time.
- An ordered column chart can help highlight outliers or exceptions based on a measure across categories or groups. For example, a business can use an ordered column chart to spot products or regions that have unusually high or low sales compared to others.
An ordered column chart is one of the most common and versatile types of visualization that businesses can use to analyze and communicate their data effectively.
Get our Most Popular Downloads
Download the most popular scenario-based Tableau Workbooks in .twbx format. Used by thousands of Tableau developers and job aspirants every day to improve and fine-tune their CV and Tableau Public profile. Join the largest Tableau Experts Social Group.

Banking & Financial Dataset Analysis
Financial Domain Tableau Dataset and Analysis. The most important domain in today’s industry. Analyze Key Performance Indicators. Discover Risky and Fraudulent Outliers. Download the Tableau Packaged (.twbx) Workbook. Includes a complete Financial dataset analysis. Enhance your Data Analytics experience with our skilled analysis.

Healthcare & Hospital Dataset Analysis
Hospital and Healthcare Domain Tableau Dataset and Analysis. A key field of study with millions of lives at stake. The most sensitive industry today. Download the Tableau Packaged (.twbx) Workbook. Understand how healthcare datasets work. Includes a complete Healthcare dataset with analytical charts. Explore Tableau interactive features with this download.

Insurance Dataset Analysis
Insurance Domain Tableau Dataset and Analysis. Important domain specific metrics and data. Learn how to visualize important metrics. Show outliers and insightful data points. Download the Tableau Packaged (.twbx) Workbook. Includes comprehensive analysis of Insurance data of a large sample population. Uses industry standard analytical practices.
First Working Day of the Quarter
Get the Tableau Workbook identifying the First Working Day of any Quarter of a Year.

By the Editorial Team
Tableau Practice Test
The best Tableau practice exams built. Period. Explore definitive practical problems created by brilliant Tableau experts.