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Error "Invalid Field Formula"


Published: 09 Sep 2016
Last Modified Date: 20 Sep 2023

Issue

When interacting with a view in Tableau Desktop or Tableau Server, the following error occurs: 
Invalid field formula due to limitations in the data source.

Environment

  • Tableau Desktop
  • Tableau Server

Resolution

Here are some of the options that can resolve the issue but have difference causes:
  • Check the Data pane for fields with red exclamation marks next to them. These represent fields which are used in the workbook but are missing from the underlying data source. If you see these exclamation marks, modify the workbook/calculations to not use the field now missing from the data.  
 
  • Check for nested equations. Check your workbook for calculated fields which contain other calculated fields which reference secondary data sources. If these types of calculations are used in your workbook, modify the calculation so it does not use nested equations. 
 
  • Check data source and extract filters. If a data source filter or extract filter relied on a field that was removed from the database, the filter will need to be removed or altered. 
 
  • Ensure that the computers running Tableau Desktop or Tableau Server are using the correct drivers. See Drivers & Activation for a list of supported database drivers.
 
  • If the above suggestions do not resolve the issue, create a new data connection. See Replacing a Data Sources for more information. 

Cause

A field used in the workbook and typically in a calculation, is missing from the underlying data. 
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