How to Create a Dynamic Tooltip to Display Different Values for Different Measures

Published: 13 Apr 2021
Last Modified Date: 14 Feb 2023

Question

How to create a dynamic tooltip to display different values for different measures?

For example, when using Measure Names to display several values, how do you alter the Tooltips data based on the Measure you selected?
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Environment

Tableau Desktop

Answer

Using a parameter action can achieve this function as shown below and demonstrated in the attached package workbook.

1. Create a string parameter with the name _Measure Names as shown below:
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2. Create a calculated field with the name _Measure Sum to show the SUM of measures with the below calculation:
*Note: the { SUM([Sales])} is the short version for {FIXED: SUM([Sales])}

IF [_Measure Names]="Sales" THEN { SUM([Sales])}
ELSEIF [_Measure Names]="Profit" THEN { SUM([Profit])}
ELSEIF [_Measure Names]="Quantity" THEN { SUM([Quantity])}
END

3. Create a parameter to transfer the hovered Measure Names to the _Measure Names parameter as shown here:
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4. Add the calculation _Measure Sum to the tooltip and edit the tooltip to show the dynamic SUM for different measures as demonstrated below:
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