Tableau Pie Chart with Multiple Measures (Step-by-Step Guide with Examples)

In data visualization, pie charts are among the most commonly used chart types to represent data as a whole. A pie chart displays data as slices, with each slice representing a percentage of the total.

In Tableau, creating a simple pie chart using a single measure is easy. However, in real-world business scenarios, we often need to analyze multiple measures such as Sales, Profit, and Quantity together.

Recently, I created a Pie chart for analyzing sales data for products in our company. In this pie chart, I displayed the sales distribution across the various regions.

Later, I was required to create a pie chart that combines the measures Sales, Quantity, and Profit in a single view.

To show the data of Sales and Profit measures, I created a Pie chart using multiple measures. Unlike a standard pie chart, this pie chart allows us to compare multiple measures in the same chart.

In this tutorial, I will explain how to create a pie chart with multiple measures in Tableau.

What is a Pie Chart in Tableau?

A pie chart is a circular chart that represents data as slices of a whole. Each slice shows the proportion of a category relative to the total value.

Key Points:

• Shows percentage distribution
• Best for 2–5 categories
• Easy to understand

Example:

• Sales by Region
• Profit by Product Category

Understanding Measures and Dimensions

Before creating a pie chart with multiple measures, you must understand two important concepts in Tableau:

Dimensions

• Categorical data
• Used to break data into parts
• Example:
  • Region
  • Product Category

Measures

• Numerical values
• Used for calculations
• Example:
  • Sales
  • Profit
  • Quantity

In Tableau:

• Dimensions → Define slices
• Measures → Define size of slices

What is a Pie Chart with Multiple Measures?

A Pie Chart with Multiple Measures displays multiple numerical values (such as Sales, Profit, and Quantity) in a single chart.

Normally, a pie chart = 1 measure. But in advanced scenarios, a pie chart = multiple measures combined

This helps in:

• Comparing different KPIs
• Better decision-making
• Understanding relationships between metrics

Displaying multiple measures together provides better context and deeper insights compared to analyzing each metric separately.

Create a Pie Chart With Multiple Measures in Tableau

To create a Pie chart with multiple measures, we will use the Tableau Superstore dataset. Now connect Tableau to the data source and follow the steps below.

In this Pie chart, we will use all the measures together to analyze them collectively. But here we need only the measures of Sales, Profit, and Quantity.

To filter out the measures, first add the Measure Names to the Filters section.

In the filters, select the checkboxes for the measures you need to include in the pie chart. After selecting the measures, click OK.

Now, drag the filtered Measure Names to the Color card in the Marks section.

After this, add the Measure Values to the Text card in the Marks. The Measure Values will reflect the values of selected measure names.

Now, select the chart type from Automatic to Pie Chart. This will show the selected measures in the Pie chart.

Currently, the pie chart slices do not reflect the distribution of measure values.

To display the exact values or share, drag the Measure Values to the Slices card. With this, we can see the distribution of colors in the pie chart based on the measure values.

To display the measure names along with the measure values, drag the Measure Names from Filters to the Text card in the Marks section.

With this, we can see the measures profit, quantity, and sales, along with their values, in a single pie chart.

Here, we can also format the measure values, like removing the decimal and showing the suffix K for thousand. For this, click Measure values in the Marks section, then select Format.

In the format, go to the Default section and select Numbers -> Number(Custom), then select Decimal places as zero and Display Units as Thousands(k).

Now, we can see in the pie chart that the measure values are displayed without decimals with a “K” suffix for thousand.

Add Dimension for Multiple Measures in a Pie Chart 

In this multi-measure pie chart, we can also add a dimension to compare the measures along that dimension.

For example, we can add Region (dimension) to compare the measures sales, profit, and quantity across regions.

To add a dimension, add the Region to the Details card in the Marks section.

Change the region from Details to Color in the Marks section.

Now, we can see the pie chart colors as a gradient, with dimensions and measure values.

This way, we can add dimension to the multi-measure Tableau pie chart.

While using this method, you can add a dimension, such as Region, to the same pie along with multiple measures. But in this method, the chart becomes hard to analyze data for multiple measures.

If you want to show both measures and dimensions together, it’s better to use the Tableau Sunburst chart or create a trellis chart for pie charts.

Show Percentage for Multiple Measures in a Pie Chart 

In the pie chart above, we displayed multiple measure values in Numbers. In a Pie chart, we can also display the values of Multiple measures in percentages.

Let’s say we want to display the Sales and Profit percentages in the pie chart above. For this, we need to create a formula field as shown below.

//Sales Percentage
SUM([Sales]) / (SUM([Sales]) + SUM([Profit]))

//Profit Percentage
SUM([Profit]) / (SUM([Sales]) + SUM([Profit]))

Now, replace the calculated fields Profit% and Sales% with the Measure Values profit and sales.

In the Marks section, click on the Measure Values and select Format.

In the Format, go to the Default section and in the Numbers field, select Percentage.

Now, we can see the measure values labeled on the pie chart in the percentage format.

This way, we can display the percentage of values in the multiple-measure Tableau Pie chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In this tableau tutorial, we learned how to create a Pie chart with multiple measures in Tableau.

A Tableau Pie Chart with Multiple Measures is a powerful way to visualize and compare multiple metrics in a single view. By using Measure Names and Measure Values, you can easily combine different measures and create meaningful insights.

However, it is important to use this chart carefully. Avoid adding too many measures and always focus on clarity and simplicity. With proper design and best practices, pie charts can effectively communicate business insights.

You may also like to read:

• Diverging Bar Chart in Tableau
• Control Chart in Tableau
• Candlestick Chart in Tableau
• Create a Circle Timeline Chart in Tableau

Abhijeet

Abhijeet is a skilled Salesforce developer with experience in developing and integrating dashboards, data reports, and Salesforce applications. He is also skilled at optimizing processes and flow automation processes, coding, and executing complex project architecture. Read more about us | LinkedIn Profile.