We were analyzing the Sales performance of all product subcategories for the years 2024 and 2025. We wanted to compare the current year’s sales performance with the previous year to identify which subcategories were showing growth and which ones were behind compared to last year.
To visualize this data, I created a Bullet Chart in Tableau using the sales data for 2024 and 2025. Using this, we displayed the 2025 actual sales as bars and showed the 2024 sales as a reference line for each sub-category. With this chart, we can easily spot categories where sales increased or decreased between the two years.
In this blog, I will explain what a Bullet Chart is in Tableau and how we can use it to compare the data in Tableau.
What is a Bullet Chart in Tableau?
A bullet chart in Tableau is a type of bar chart used to compare a single data value, such as actual performance, against a target or goal. It is designed to replace gauges and meters in dashboards by displaying more information in less space. A bullet chart consists of a horizontal bar that represents the actual value, a vertical line that indicates the target.
This helps to compare values to a defined target. The Bullet charts are generally used in business dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs).
Check out: Tableau Gauge Chart
Create a Bullet Chart in Tableau
In this bullet chart, we will use the sample data from the Superstore in Tableau to compare the product sales of 2024 and 2025.
- First, we need to create calculative fields that return the sales of the respective product for the years 2024 and 2025.
To create the calculative fields, click on the Analysis tab and select Create Calculated Field. After this, enter the below formula and click OK.
// Sales Year 2025
IF YEAR([Order Date]) = 2025 THEN [Sales] ELSE 0 END
//Sales Year 2024
IF YEAR([Order Date]) = 2024 THEN [Sales] ELSE 0 END- After creating the calculated fields, add the Sub-category to the Rows shelf.
- Add the calculative field Sales Year 2025 to the Columns and sort it in descending order of the sum of sales in 2025.
- Add the calculative field Sales 2024 to the details card in the All Marks section.
- To show the reference line displaying the sales of 2024, right-click on the x-axis and select
Check out: Tableau Funnel Chart
- Make the following change to the reference line of comparison.
- In the Scope, select the option Per Cell instead of Per Pane.
- In the Line section, select the Value as SUM(Sales 2024), and Label as None.
- In the Formatting, select the thickest line to make it visible. After this, select a dark color and, with the slider, increase color visibility.
- At last, click on the OK button.
Check out: Gantt Chart in Tableau
- Drag the Sales 2025 to the Label tag. Now, you will see the sales of 2025 on the bar and the sales of 2024 on the reference line that we have added.
With this, we can compare the sales average for the years using the bullet chart in Tableau.
This way, we can create a bullet chart in Tableau to compare the sales data of two years.
I hope you understand how to create and use a Bullet Chart in Tableau to compare two different time measures. It’s useful when you want to display actual values alongside a reference or target, as we did here with the 2025 and 2024 sales data.
You may like to read:
- Stacked Bar Chart in Tableau
- Donut Chart in Tableau
- Tableau Dual Axis Chart
- Radar Chart in Tableau
- Radial Bar Chart in Tableau
I am Bijay Kumar, the founder of SalesforceFAQs.com. Having over 10 years of experience working in salesforce technologies for clients across the world (Canada, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, etc.). I am a certified salesforce administrator and expert with experience in developing salesforce applications and projects. My goal is to make it easy for people to learn and use salesforce technologies by providing simple and easy-to-understand solutions. Check out the complete profile on About us.
