A Running Total calculation helps compute cumulative increases over a period of time. It cumulatively sums the first value, plus the second value. Then, the second value, plus the third value, and so on, for the entire visualization on the canvas. For example, it helps compute cumulative increases of sales per year, quarter, months, etc.
Using Tableau’s Global Superstore Orders table:
- Drag an Order Date field from the Data pane to the Columns shelf.
- Drag a Sales field from the Data pane to the Rows shelf.
- Drag another Sales field from the Data pane to the Rows shelf.
- Right-click this Sales field (second one), select Quick Table Calculation and Running Total. This second Sales field will have a delta symbol.
- Drag another Sales field from the Data pane to Label on the Marks card.
Format: You could format the two Sales fields with corresponding currencies.
Relative to Order Date: The default here is to compute the data using ‘Table across.’
Final Outcome: I have created two graphics (top and bottom) to show yearly sales and cumulative sales. Notice the cumulative sales from 2012 and 2013 is $4,936,80 after adding $2,259,451 + $2,677,439. Then between 2013 and 2014: $4,936,890 + $3,405,746 = $8,342,636. Lastly, between 2014 and 2015: $8,342,636 + $4,299,866 = $12,642,502.