How to join tables based on “Calculated Fields” in Tableau?

Question

In order to join one of my tables to other tables, I had to use Calculated Fields to make the field format same as others. However, when I want to join the tables, the new field name created by Calculated Fields does not appear. I know that I can export modified data, and import it again to solve the problem, but I'm interested to know if there is a simpler way to do so in Tableau?

Answer 1

You absolutely can join to a calculated field, but they make you take a few extra steps:

After you drag your source over, and the dialogue box pops up, under Data Source, you will see all of your field choices but none of your calculated fields. At the bottom of these choices is Edit Join Calculation; click on it.

A Join Calculation box pops up. Type in the name of your calculated field. Put the name in [ ]'s, or after typing a few letters, the name should pop in as an auto-fill option. Once done, click ok.

Then click on the second column and choose the corresponding field you want to use for the join. At that point, it should perform the join.

Firstly register yourself in an industry-recognized Tableau Desktop Certification such as you can register for our Tableau Training Course.