Table Calculations are one of the most powerful features in Tableau. They enable solutions that really couldn't be achieved any other way (short of writing a custom application or complex custom SQL scripts!). The features include the following:

• They make it possible to use data that isn't structured well and still get quick results without waiting for someone to fix the data at the source
• They make it possible to compare and perform calculations on aggregate values across rows of the resulting table
• They open incredible possibilities for analysis and creative approaches to solving problems, highlighting insights, or improving the user experience

Table Calculations range in complexity from incredibly easy to create (a couple of clicks) to extremely complex (requiring an understanding of addressing, partitioning, and data densification). We'll start off simple and move toward complexity in this chapter. The goal is to gain a solid foundation for creating and using Table Calculations, understanding how they work, and looking at some examples of how they can be used. We'll consider these topics:

• An overview of Table Calculations
• Quick Table Calculations
• Scope and direction
• Addressing and partitioning
• Custom Table Calculations
• Practical examples
• Data densification

The examples in this chapter will return to the sample Superstore data that we used in the first chapter. To follow along with the examples, use the Chapter 05 Starter.twbx workbook.