Definition
Pareto chart contains both bar and a line chart, where individual values are presented in descending order by bars and the cumulative total is presented by the line chart.
The chart is named after the pareto principle which states that “For many events, roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes”.
Pareto chart is used in highlighting the most important among a (typically large) set of factors.
Example of a pareto chart
Pareto chart best practices
Always label the axis clearly.
Ensure the line chart is visually noted by adding more weight on size.
Provide additional details on the tooltip.
Step by step guide on how to create a pareto chart in Tableau.
Using Superstores data set pre-loaded with Tableau app, I am going to show you how to create a Pareto chart to find-out the States contributed 80% of all Profits generated by the superstores. (Note; in your own set-up, you'll find an appropriate problem to solve using this technique).
Once you're connected to Superstores data set above,..
Drag dimension State to the Columns shelf.
Drag measure field Profit to the Rows shelf. (Note, the aggregation is SUM()).
See the resulting chart,...
Sort State in descending order by Profit..
Duplicate the chart. To do this, Hold down CTRL key and drag the field SUM(Profit) on the Rows shelf next to itself. See below.
Add a quick Table calculation by computing Running Totals for one of the charts. See below.
Add a secondary table calculation to compute 'Percent of Total'. (Note, all these table calculations are computed using dimension State).
Executing above, changing the chart type of the first chart to a 'Line' and renaming the axis 'Percent', we've.
Making the chart dual results to our final chart. See below.
Now lets find the States generated 80% of all Profits.
Extending my selection to view States I have.
From the above view, we can say. Approximately 80% of profits generated came from five States; namely, California, New York, Washington, Michigan and Virginia.
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