- In your worksheet, open the 'Analysis' menu then choose 'Create Calculated Field'.
- Enter your formula for the median as: MEDIAN([your field]). In this tutorial, we will calculate the Median for Profit. Formula: MEDIAN([Profit])
- Change the field name to ‘MEDIAN PROFIT.’ Then click 'OK'.
- Your aggregate data will appear in the Data pane.
- You can drag your aggregate data to the Rows or Columns shelf along with your other fields to view the Median data.
How to Calculate Median in Tableau
Use this interactive demo to learn how to calculate median in Tableau.
📌 Why this matters
Median reveals the true center of your data when extreme values skew your analysis. While averages get pulled toward outliers, median shows you where most of your data actually sits. This becomes crucial when analyzing profits, salaries, or sales figures where a few high performers can make average calculations misleading. By creating a calculated field, you can compare median against mean in the same visualization, instantly spotting whether outliers are distorting your business insights and making more informed decisions.
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