What is filter?

In this blog, we will learn about the  the filters and different types of filters available in Tableau.

So, let's start...

Filters are used to send information to tableau that user wants to get the result one some custom parameters. This can be based on dimensions or measures.

There are 7 types of filters as mentioned below:

1) Extract Filters
2) Data Source Filters
3) Context Filters
4) Dimension Filters
5) Measure Filters
6) Action Filters
7) Table Calculation Filters.

Now, We will get familiar with all one by one.

1) Extract Filters : While using this filter you can filter out the data at the time of extraction. Below is the snapshot for the same to get this done as highlighted. In this, We have use Sample - Superstore data.

We have filter out the Furniture from Category dimension. Click on Edit  right side of Extract and you will have the window to create a extract filter. There are more options to filter out on the basis of Top rows and aggregation.

2) Data Source Filters : This filter works on Live Data Connection. When you select Add, extreme right of window. Below window will appear.

You can see there are already 3 dimensions. But, when you try to edit them you will see that all the values of the dimensions are used into dataset.

Now, we will try to enter new one for Order Date Year  = 2014. Refer the below snapshot for this.

3) Context Filters : This filter always applied before any other filter. To apply this refer the below snapshot. You just need to right click on  filter and select Add to Context. This filter can be use as URL parameter also as &state='Alabama'.

4) Dimension Filters : As name, this can be applied on dimensions. Just right click on it and select Show Filter and this will come in filter shelf. You can simply just drag and drop to filter shelf. Below snapshot you will get after this.

There are other tabs also you can filter out on other conditions also like dimension contains or begins with some specific string. Based on greater or less then measures and Top or Bottom. Below snapshot for the reference.

5) Measure Filters : This is an aggregated filter. While using this, it will ask you on what aggregation you want to filter out the data. Refer the snapshot. As you can see there are other range of filter. You can filter out the data on At least, At most or Null or Non-Null values.

6) Action Filters : Using this filter, you can pass information on Click or Mouse Over event from one sheet to other sheet. For example, You have two sheets one is showing Sales and other is showing Profit. So, you can easily filter out the data while selection of sheet one dimension.

7) Table Calculation Filters : Unlike Context filter, this will applied at last of all the filters applied. To get this done we have many functions like LOOKUP, WINDOW_FUNCTIONS etc.

There is one more filter Keep Only and Exclude. You can filter out the data as per your requirement.

Refer the link to download the sample workbook. What is Filter? In case of any question, please comment below.