L-Shaped Bar Charts in Tableau

Tired of the same old bar charts? An L-shaped bar chart is a creative twist that adds visual interest while delivering clear insights. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through building an L-shaped bar chart in Tableau—a fun alternative that can really spice up your dashboard. I originally discovered this technique from Sarah Pallett's blog post, so be sure to check out her other dashboards and posts—she's awesome!

Follow these steps for a crisp, eye-catching visualization:

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Create the Base Calculation:

   • Create a calculated field called MAX(0) and add it to your pane.

     

     
     

2. Set Up Your Rows & Column Shelves:

   • Add Sub-category and Measure Names to the Rows shelf.

   • Add Measure Values and MAX(0) to the Columns shelf.

     

3. Filter the Data:

   • Drag Measure Names to the Filters shelf and select only MAX(0) and Count Orders.

     

     
     

4. Create a Dual-Axis:

   • On the Columns shelf, click on the downward arrow on the MAX(0)) pill and create a dual axis for MAX(0) and Measure Values.

     

   • Right-click the secondary axis and choose Synchronize Axis.

     

   • Your sheet should look like this afterwards.

     

     
     

5. Set the Mark Type:

   • In the Marks pane, click on “All” and change the mark type from Automatic to Line.

     
     

     

     
     

   • Change the line’s Path pattern to Step.

     

     
     

   • Click the downward arrow on the Sub-Category pill on the Rows shelf and sort the Sub-Categories in descending order using the Order field.

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     Your sheet should now display a sorted, stepped line chart.

     

     
     

6. Enhance the Visual Details:

   • In the Measure Values section of the Marks pane, add Category to Color, add Measure Names and Sub-category to Detail, and add Orders to Label.

     

     
     

   • Create a Percent of Total quick table calculation for the CNT(Orders) pill and set “Compute Using” to Table (down).

     

     

     
     

7. Add a Second Orders Field:

   • Drag another instance of the Orders field to the Measure Values label card.

     

   • Adjust the Label formatting as such.

     

     
     

8. Format the AGG(MAX(0)) Section:

   • In the Marks pane under AGG(MAX(0)), add Category to Color, Sub-category to Label, and Measure Names and Sub-category to Detail.

   • Change the mark type from Line to Bar and set the Size to the smallest setting.

     

     
     

   • Format the AGG(MAX(0)) label accordingly.

     

     
     

9. Final Adjustments:

   • Return to the “All” section in the Marks pane and confirm the label formatting.

     

     
     

   • Drag the rows divider upward to tuck the Sub-category title neatly under the L-shaped bar.

   • Edit the label to display: <CNT(Orders)> of <% of Total CNT(Orders)>.

     

     
     

   • Uncheck Show Header for the Sub-category and Measure Name pills in the Rows shelf, and uncheck Show Headers on the top and bottom axes.

10. Optional Styling:

    • In the “All” section, go to Label → Font → Match Mark Color to ensure the sub-category and measure values match the bar color.

      

      
      

    • Optionally, remove the row and column dividers for a cleaner look. And voila! You've created an engaging L-shaped bar chart that adds a unique twist to your dashboard. Enjoy the process and happy visualizing!