Background
A question often comes to mind of a Tableau developer when creating large complex calculations, should I create one big complex calculated field? Or should I create several simple calculated fields to do the same thing? Both has their pros and cons, it can also vary based on the different business scenarios. But it is interesting to see which scenario is chosen based on the need by the developer.
Read more: Tableau Slow Dashboard Tips »

Tableau Performance Considerations
From a performance perspective in Tableau, there will not be any noticeable performance effect if calculations were created more complex. Creating multiple simpler calculations helps maintain modularity and might be good in some cases. For example if we use ”month count” as a calculated field in multiple other calculations, actions, parameters, etc then it will help if we have this calculation as a separate field.
Keep reading: Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification Questions »

Tableau Scalability Factors
But we need to remember that it might become tricky when we have to make a change in our Tableau code, and it is nested in 5 different spots instead of one calculated field. Now, it will also be tricky when we have say for example 100 smaller simple calculated fields. We can organize these fields in folders for better readability and maintainability as well.
Tableau Flexible Naming Conventions
Some Tableau developers using naming conventions when dealing with several calculated fields. For example, if we are creating multiple calculations for one sheet or dashboard, we can prefix the fields with the letters ”MX [field_name]”. Or for say Boolean fields, we can add a prefix ”@[field_name]”. This kind of technique will allow us to easily find the calculated fields by filtering on the field names with a common pattern.
Keep on Reading: Tableau Data Analyst Certification Questions »
Tableau Optimal Readability
The balance of readability thus becomes the key. On top of it, one of the most important factors to consider is reusability. We should not be breaking one calculation when modifying another calculation. Adding good comments to the Tableau calculations is a good practice. This will allow others to know what one developer has done any why it was done that way.
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.
One thought on “Tableau Complex Calculations using Smaller Simple Calculations”