How to Create a Circular Bar Chart (Polar Chart) in Tableau with Viz Extensions

Introduction

A circular bar chart (or a polar chart) is a type of bar chart plotted in a polar coordinate system, where bars radiate outward from a central point. This type of visualization is often used when there's a need to represent categorical data in a visually unique way, while still maintaining the clarity of a bar chart.

Example of a Circular Bar Chart

Build similar viz in R: Explore how to create a circular bar chart in R

Step-by-Step Guide

To create a circular bar chart in Tableau. Add viz extension by going to the Marks card and select Add Extension.

On the pop-up window - go to the search bar and search “Polar Chart”.

Select Polar Area Chart by LaDataViz and open it.

Notice the changes on the marks card and the view.

Note you can purchase the extension to enjoy its full features and capabilities.

You can build your viz by simply dragging your Dimension field to the Spokes and your Measure field to the Values.

For example, using the sample superstore dataset, I can create a polar chart showing Sales by Month by simply dragging Months to the Spokes and Sales to the Values to create the view below.

Building a Stacked Polar Chart

To create a stacked polar chart, simply add the additional Dimension to the color shelf.

For example, I can convert the above view to a stacked polar chart by simply adding the Dimension Category to the color shelf.

Formatting the Circular Bar Chart

Note, you can format and customize your visualization – using Format Extension option under the marks card.

Under this option you can.

• Customize the areas and grids of your view.

• Change the plot’s colors (palette) as well as the background color of the view.

• And customize the labels as per your needs.

Conclusion

Leveraging Viz Extensions in Tableau for circular bar plots or polar charts significantly enhances customization and interactivity. These extensions allow users to break free from standard chart limitations, offering advanced configurations, dynamic updates, and improved aesthetics. By incorporating Viz Extensions, analysts can create more intuitive visualizations that simplify interpretation while maintaining the flexibility required for complex datasets. Ultimately, they provide an efficient way to elevate data storytelling and user experience beyond Tableau's native capabilities.

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