How to Create a Radial Bar Chart in Tableau with Viz Extensions

What is a Radial Bar Chart?

A radial bar chart (also called a circular bar chart) is a type of bar chart plotted in a polar coordinate system, where bars radiate outward from a central point or are arranged around a circle. Each bar’s length represents the value of a category, but because bars are positioned at different angles and radii, outer bars appear longer even if their values are equal. Radial bar charts are visually striking and useful for comparing categories in a circular layout, but they can make value comparisons less precise than standard bar charts.

Example of a Radial Bar Chart

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

Step-by-Step Guide

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

On the pop-up window - choose the Radial Chart by Actinvision and open it.

Notice the changes on the marks card and the view.

Fill out the form and submit to receive an activation code.

Check out your email for the activation code, use it to activate your extension by submitting it in the next window.

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

Option 1 - Visualizing Measure Values

You can visualize measure values by simply dragging them into the Values shelf.

Order the bars by changing the order of the measures on the Values shelf.

Option 2 – Visualizing a Dimension and a Measure

You can also visualize a dimension and a measure - by dragging the dimension field to the Level shelf and the measure field to the Values shelf.

In this case, I have added Month to the Level shelf and Sales to the Values shelf.

Then sorted the months in descending order by Sales.

Formatting the Radial Bar Chart

Using the Format Extension option, you can customize your visualization by:

• Changing the color of the chart as well as customizing the legend.

• Customizing the grids and axis.

• Applying labels as well as customizing the tooltips

Conclusion

Radial bar charts offer a visually striking and intuitive way to present categorical data in a circular format. Their ability to emphasize differences in values while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing structure makes them a valuable choice for data visualization. However, careful design considerations—such as proper scaling and clear labelling—are essential to ensure readability and accurate interpretation. When used effectively, radial bar charts can enhance storytelling in data-driven presentations, making complex information more accessible and engaging.

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