Tableau is one of the top data visualization and graphical data representation tools. Most companies hire professionals (BI analysts, data science aspirants, and data analysts) at different levels for analyzing data and extracting visual insights. Here is a statistical representation of data showing the rank and popularity of Tableau.
Note: The industry continues to demand data analysts, BI analysts, and data scientists with proficient knowledge of Tableau. The content has been updated for 2025.
Here are the top tableau interview questions and answers:
1. How will you define data visualization to a kid of the 6th standard?
Data visualization is a way of representing corporate granular data with rich visuals and interactive elements. For making the data look more visually attractive, we can use data visualization elements like charts, graphs, data points, etc.
2. What is Tableau?
Tableau is a leading and fastest-growing data visualization software, which is well-accepted in the market for its simplification and easily understandable format. With Tableau, any business can share visual insights that help sense the data better and make business decisions accordingly.
3. What are Tableau Parameters? Name them with their slight description.
Parameters are variables that help in replacing a constant value for calculations, reference lines, or filtering. Tableau parameters accept different values in the options like:
- All: A simple text field
- List: A collection of selectable values
- Range: Selected values from a specified range
4. Mention some differences between Tableau and MS Excel.
| Tableau | MS Excel |
|---|---|
| It is a visualization tool for analyzing data. | It is spreadsheet software for manipulating data. |
| Handles big data and both structured/unstructured data. | Best for statistical calculations on structured data. |
| Requires data analysis and handling skills. | Requires data manipulation and mathematical skills. |
| Can integrate with 260+ applications. | Can integrate with around 60 applications. |
5. How will you define aggregation and disaggregation of data?
Aggregation displays data in summary format. Tableau offers functions like:
- SUM(expression): Adds numeric values.
- AVG(expression): Calculates the average.
- Median(expression): Computes the median value.
- Count(expression): Counts non-null values.
- Count(distinct): Counts unique values.
6. At what situation will you use the geographical data type in Tableau?
When dealing with geo-locations (latitude and longitude), Tableau’s geographical data type helps create maps using its built-in map server.
7. Is there any limitation in utilizing the number of Tableau rows?
No, Tableau can store and query petabytes of data with unlimited rows, only processing what is required for visualization.
8. What are the different types of Joins that Tableau offers?
- Right Outer Join: All rows from right + matching from left
- Left Outer Join: All rows from left + matching from right
- Inner Join: Only matching rows from both
- Full Outer Join: All rows from both, unmatched rows show NULL
9. What are the different connections you can make with a dataset?
Two types: Extract and Live. Extract is preferred for offline analysis and performance.
10. Mention the file extension for these Tableau Desktop files:
- Tableau Workbook: TWB
- Tableau Data Source: TDS
- Tableau Data Extract: TDE
11. What are shelves?
Shelves are named areas like rows, columns, filters, marks, etc., where you can drop fields to build a visualization.
12. Tell me something about Load testing in Tableau.
Load testing checks server capacity and performance. Recommended 3–4 times/year to account for system and user changes.
13. What are the different types of filters Tableau offers?
- Extract Filter
- Measure Filter
- Context Filter
- Dimension Filter
- Data Source Filter
- Table Calculation Filter
14. What are the various Tableau dashboard components?
- Web URL: Hyperlinks to external content
- Vertical: Left-to-right arrangement of dashboard elements
- Horizontal: Top-to-bottom arrangement of dashboard elements
- Image Extract: Embeds images and stores data in XML format
- Text: Displays textual content
15. Explain a little bit about the DRIVE Program Methodology.
DRIVE methodology supports enterprise analytics using iterative, agile approaches adopted widely by Tableau users.
16. Which Tableau map will best visualize tornado movement over time?
Flow map is ideal for visualizing paths and movements over time, such as tornado or cyclone trajectories.
17. What are the different types of Maps available with Tableau?
- Proportional Symbol Maps
- Heatmaps (Density Maps)
- Choropleth Maps (Filled Maps)
- Point Distribution Maps
- Flow Maps (Path Maps)
- Spider Maps (Origin-Destination Maps)
18. How to view a SQL file produced by Tableau Desktop?
Go to My Tableau Repository in Documents. View log.txt or tabprotosrv.txt after making a live connection to the data source.
19. What are Tableau Bins?
Bins are equal-sized containers for organizing continuous measure values into discrete intervals for analysis.
20. Can we merge a normal Tableau view into web pages? How?
Yes. Use the Share button in Tableau Server to get the embed code, then paste it into your web page. Viewer permissions are required.
21. What is a Context Filter in Tableau?
A context filter in Tableau sets the base filtering level. Other filters are applied on top of the data that passes through the context filter, which improves performance in large datasets and helps in dependent filtering logic.
22. What is the difference between Discrete and Continuous fields in Tableau?
Discrete fields display distinct, separate values and create headers (e.g., categories). Continuous fields display unbroken ranges of values and create axes (e.g., sales or profit over time).
23. What is Data Blending in Tableau?
Data Blending is used when data from two different sources need to be combined. Tableau blends the data based on a common dimension (primary and secondary data sources), especially useful when joins aren't feasible.
24. How does Tableau handle NULL values?
Tableau handles NULLs by allowing users to filter them out, replace them with default values, or show them explicitly in the visualization. It depends on the chart type and data preparation step.
25. What is the difference between a Tableau Workbook (.twb) and a Tableau Packaged Workbook (.twbx)?
.twb files contain instructions to build visualizations using linked data sources, while .twbx files package the workbook with data sources, images, and custom calculations, making it portable and shareable.
Conclusion
Tableau continues to be a market leader in data visualization. This curated set of interview questions and answers will help you confidently prepare for roles such as Data Analyst, BI Analyst, or Data Scientist in 2025 and beyond.