How to Make a Gauge Chart with Tableau Viz Extensions

Introduction

A gauge chart is a custom‑built visualization that mimics a speedometer or dial to show progress toward a target. Tableau does not have a native gauge chart type, so analysts create it by combining shapes, calculated fields, and pie charts to simulate the gauge effect or use Tableau viz extensions.

A gauge chart is typically used to show:

• Progress toward a goal (e.g., 70% of target achieved).

• Performance levels (e.g., poor → average → good).

Think of it as a visual indicator that answers: “How close are we to the target?”

Example of a Gauge Chart

Step-by-Step Guide

To create a Gauge 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 “Gauge”.

Select Gauge 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.

To create a gauge chart.

• Drag your actual measure in this case Sales to the Value shelf.

• Drag your target measure to the Target shelf.

See the resulting default view.

Formatting Gauge Chart

Under Format Extension option you can.

• Change the Gauge Style.

• Adjust the Arc Size.

• Customize setting such as: Start angle, End angle, Inner and Outer radius.

• Customize the needle styles.

• Customize the target line, label, and number format.

• Format the labels as well as the worksheet.

To create a variety of gauge charts as shown below.

Conclusion

Creating a gauge chart with Tableau Viz Extensions opens the door to a smoother, more flexible, and far more scalable approach than traditional pie‑chart workarounds. Instead of wrestling with complex calculations or layered shapes, extensions let you focus on what matters most: designing a KPI indicator that is accurate, responsive, and visually aligned with your dashboard’s purpose. By leveraging extension‑driven customization - whether through dynamic needles, configurable ranges, or branded styling - you gain the ability to deliver polished, interactive gauges that feel native to Tableau while avoiding the limitations of manual builds.

As organizations push for richer, more intuitive KPI storytelling, Viz Extensions offer a modern path forward. They empower teams to standardize gauge components, reuse them across dashboards, and maintain consistency without sacrificing creativity. With the right extension in place, building a gauge chart becomes less about technical gymnastics and more about crafting a clear, compelling narrative around performance. Now that you’ve explored how to integrate and configure these tools, you’re ready to bring more expressive, high‑impact gauges into your Tableau workflow

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