KPI Card (BANs) With Tableau Viz Extensions

Overview

KPI Cards - often called BANs (Big‑Ass Numbers) - are the bold, high‑impact tiles used in dashboards to highlight the most important metrics such as total sales, growth rate, or active users. They typically feature a large primary number, a short label, and optional context like trends, comparisons, or color‑coded indicators. Their purpose is to make critical insights instantly visible without requiring users to dig through charts.

Example of KPI Card (BANs)

Step-by-Step Guide

To create a KPI Card 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 “KPI”.

Select KPI Card (BANs) 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 KPI Card (BANs) using the Sample – Superstore dataset.

• Drag Order Date (at Month-Year level of detail) to the Time shelf.

• Drag Sales to the KPI shelf.

• Drag Target Sales to the Target shelf.

See the resulting view.

Formatting KPI Card (BANs)

Under Format Extension option, you can.

• Change the KPI comparison type from Previous Period to Same Period Last Year.

• Change the chart type from Area to Line or Bar.

• Format the labels and axis.

• Format the KPI and chart colors, as well as the worksheet background color.

See some of the resulting KPI Cards (BANs).

Conclusion

KPI cards remain one of the most powerful storytelling elements in any Tableau dashboard because they distill complex data into simple, high‑impact insights that decision‑makers can absorb instantly. By highlighting the metrics that matter most - whether it’s performance against targets, period‑over‑period change, or real‑time operational indicators - BANs anchor the analytical narrative and guide users toward the right questions and actions. Their strength lies not only in their visual prominence but also in their ability to provide immediate context through thoughtful use of color, comparison values, and supporting cues.

As organizations continue to demand dashboards that are faster, clearer, and more intuitive, mastering KPI card design becomes essential. Tableau offers a flexible foundation for building BANs, but the real impact comes from applying best practices: choosing the right metrics, reducing visual noise, and designing with purpose and consistency. When done well, KPI cards elevate the entire dashboard experience - transforming raw numbers into meaningful signals and empowering teams to make confident, data‑driven decisions. In a landscape where attention is scarce and clarity is priceless, well‑crafted BANs are not just a design choice; they are a strategic advantage.

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