Level of Detail (LOD) Calculations in Tableau are advanced calculations that allow you to control the granularity or level of detail at which a calculation is performed. LOD calculations are particularly useful when you need to aggregate or analyze data at a level different from the one in your visualization.
Tableau offers three primary types of LOD calculations:
Fixed LOD:
Definition: Fixed LOD calculations allow you to specify a particular level of detail for the calculation, regardless of the dimensions in your visualization.
Use Case: Use when you want to perform a calculation based on a specific dimension, irrespective of the dimensions displayed in the view.
Include LOD:
Definition: Include LOD calculations enable you to include a specific dimension in your calculation, regardless of what dimensions are in the view.
Use Case: Use when you want to incorporate a dimension into your calculation while still showing other dimensions in your visualization.
Exclude LOD:
Definition: Exclude LOD calculations exclude a specific dimension from your calculation, even if that dimension is present in the visualization.
Use Case: Use when you want to perform a calculation while excluding the influence of a particular dimension from the result.
It is important to note the differences in between the LOD Calculations:
Fixed LOD focuses on a fixed dimension and doesn't change based on the view or context. It's precise and consistent but might not be as flexible as the others.
Include LOD incorporates a specific dimension into the calculation while still considering other dimensions in the view. It provides flexibility to adapt to various visualizations.
Exclude LOD excludes a dimension from the calculation, allowing you to analyze data without the influence of that dimension. It's helpful when you want to isolate the impact of one dimension.
When it is used and the philosophy behind.
Fixed LOD is used when you need to focus on a consistent, predefined dimension in your calculation, which is independent of the view or context. It provides precision.
Include LOD is often used when you want to include a particular dimension's impact in your calculation while still considering other dimensions in the view. It's flexible and adaptable.
Exclude LOD is employed when you need to isolate the effect of a specific dimension from your calculation, making it particularly useful for dimension filtering.
Ultimately, the choice between these LOD calculations depends on your data analysis goals and the specific insights you aim to derive from your Tableau visualizations. Each LOD calculation serves a unique purpose, and mastering them empowers you to tackle a wide range of analytical challenges effectively.