Mastering Tableau: The Power of Context Filters

A context filter in Tableau is a powerful feature that allows you to isolate a specific subset of data and create a temporary data subset

When you apply a context filter to your visualization, Tableau first applies the context filter and then performs calculations and aggregations based on the filtered subset of data.

By creating a context, you can optimize the performance of your visualizations by reducing the amount of data being processed.

When a context filter is applied, Tableau performs the following steps:

1. Identifies the data that meets the context filter criteria.
2. Performs calculations and aggregations based on the filtered data.
3. Evaluates any other filters and calculations based on the context data subset.

A context filter allows you to control the order in which Tableau applies filters and calculations.

In this video, I'll explain:

1. The difference between regular filters and context filters
2. How context filters can significantly improve Tableau performance

I'll finish up by showing you a couple of the most common use cases for Context filters to drive the concept home.

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[iScreamEntertainment]

You seriously make the most comprehensive and clearly structured videos regarding Tableau on Youtube - thank you very much!

[ryangarland]

This is why I come to your channel, Andy, well done and thanks!

[chrischannel]

Thanks for the great reminder. Your second example was exactly what I needed for a project I am working. Great video and I am enjoying your weekly newsletter.

[ardianthaputera]

i spent 1-2 hours trying to troubleshoot an issue by doublechecking the data, manually recreate the returned rows using sql query, crosschecking the result with tableau's visual; nothing worked.
Turns out I need the context filter. Thank you good Sir. Should've tried finding the solution on youtube first before trying on my own hahaha

[Nextgenvideogametheory]

Thank you so much. I literally work in Tableau all day for my job. And always learn something new can apply immediately from you. This is so helpful!

[alfonzinoxQQ]

Very clear explications. Recently had an interview and didn't know this about context.

[TruthsInTime]

Hey Andy amazing video. Could please make video on full tableau using real world dataset.

[AKT-tcoq]

Thank you for the video. Very helpful to understand In Context, but how would I display the top 5 States in each Region at the same time. You show 5 for each Region, one Region at a time.

[michaelsanchez]

Is it possible to use context filters if you want to illustrate a value comparison between two datetime fields. For example, a datetime field with dates from 2021-2024. I want to use this variable twice, but have one selection filter only to current week, and the other filtering values 2 weeks ago.

Each time I add them on my worksheet, it only takes values for my first field entered. Also once I try applying context to my second datetime field, my worksheet goes blank...what am I doing wrong

[teenaahh]

Great video! What if we are using a top n filter and want to use more than one filter? I’m currently working on a dashboard that uses a top n and have four filters I want to use. Thank you!

[prudhvimaddula]

How to deal with when u are using charts as filters in a dashboard and filter across so many other dashboard elements .? Is there a priority of order for context filters if there are many like 5filters added to context?

[creativemedia.]

what if we convert a normal filter as data source level filter?