top of page
Bernard K

Tableau 2020.2: Relationships in Tableau


Tableau 2020.2 - combining data using relationships

Tableau 2020.2 brings a much simpler and powerful way to combine data – using relationships. Relationships describe how two or more table relate based on a common field but does not merge the two table together like in the case of joins. Therefore, when relationships are created between tables, each table remain separate hence retaining their individual level of details. Then Tableau brings data from these tables to create a viz – with Tableau figuring out the right join type and how to deal with nulls.

In order support both relationships and traditional ways on combining data (joins and unions), the Tableau 2020.2 data model in the data source contains a logical layer (default way of combining data) and physical layer.

Logical layer – Where you can add multiple tables and relate them based on a common field

Physical layer – where you can combine data through joins and unions

(Double click on a logical table to open the physical table where you can do joins and unions)

Relating tables based on a common field

Tableau relationships - Tableau 2020.2

Joining tables on the physical layer

(Double click on a logical table to access the physical table)

Joining tables in Tableau 2020.2

Take a way on relationships

  • Relations require you to select the matching fields only, no selection of join types

  • Tables maintain their level of details in the data source and during analysis

  • No duplicated aggregated values

  • During analysis relationships automatically create appropriate joins based on the fields in the view

  • Tables are not merged in the data source

  • Relationships make all rows and columns from the related tables potentially available in the data source

Blog.png
Black & white.jpg

About Me

More About the Author

Bernard K

Analytics Consultant | 3X Tableau Certified

Bernard is a data analytics consultant helping businesses reveal the true power of their data and bring clarity to their reporting dashboards. He loves building things and sharing knowledge on how to build dashboards that drive better outcomes.

Let’s discuss your data challenges! Let’s work together!

bottom of page