Tableau Sets are used to create subsets of data based on certain conditions defined by the user. It allows you to pick specific segments of a dimension that will generate insights in your data. We can create Sets for just about anything based on quantitative thresholds.

A perfect example of why Sets are used is when we want to compare insight from a part of our data, we can accomplish this with a Set. We can do that by selecting our column of interest to make a subset and selecting only a few details we need.

Implementing Sets in our dashboard makes it more interactive for the audience. Now, let’s discuss the two types of sets we have and how to create them.

Types of Tableau Sets

• Dynamic Sets
• Fixed Sets

Dynamic Sets: Just as the name suggests, it’s very dynamic, whereby when the value in the dynamic sets changes, the underlying data also changes. This dynamic Set is usually based on a single dimension.

How to Create Dynamic Sets

Follow each step below to create a Dynamic set in Tableau Desktop.

Step 1: Open your Tableau Desktop and bring in the Sample Superstore Dataset, which we will use for demonstration.

Step 2: Now, let’s create a Set. Go to your Data Pane, Select the Customer Name Dimensions and click on Create → Set.

Step 3: In the “Create Set” window, we have three ways to customize our Set.

Let’s discuss this below ;

General: The General tab gives users a list of options to select required values from. These selected values will be used in our Set. We can also select the “Use All” option to consider all values always, even when new values are being added or removed.

Condition: We also have the condition tab, which we can use to define conditions that determine what values to include in the Set. In the image below, we applied a condition of having values where our Sales is greater than $10,000.

Top: Now, the third way of customizing our Set is by using the “Top” tab. The Top tab is used for selecting only specified ’N’ number of top or bottom values. For instance, we can apply a condition of having top 10 customers based on profits, as we have below.

Now that we’ve seen how we can create Dynamic Sets, let’s discuss the Fixed Sets and how we can also create them.

Fixed Sets: Fixed sets can either be single-dimensional or multi-dimensional. They are sets that do not change and we can create this Set by following the steps listed below;

Step 1: Draw a Scatter chat using Profit and Sales.

Step 2: In the chart, we’ll select any area(one or more scatter dots) we’re interested in creating a set with.

After you’ve highlighted the area, you Right Click and select Create Set.

Step 3: Enter the Set’s name in the dialog box and click ok.

You should have your Set in the Pane.

And that’s how to create Sets in Tableau. Follow the steps above to get started. Hope you found this post helpful. If you do, share and follow for more posts.