Bullet graph

Bullet graphs are used to compare one value, represented by a horizontal bar, to another value, represented by a vertical line, and relate those to qualitative ranges.

A bullet graph is a very powerful way to compare data against historical performance or pre-assigned thresholds. As you’ll see, we can include a lot of information in a small space with this type of chart that is also Tableau’s answer to those looking for a gauge or meter visualization.

Here are the different components of a mark within a bullet graph:

In the image above, the dark gray bar represents actual performance while the red reference line is a goal. The underlying distribution range has been set to identify 60% and 80% goal completion. The example above shows that the current revenue is well above the reference line goal, indicating that this year’s performance was stronger than the previous one.

Steps:

Download dataset used here

Lets try to compare the total sales made during the year 2010 and 2011.

1. Create 2 measures to get the total sales made during the years 2010 and 2011. Create calculated field - Sales 2010

   IF YEAR([Order Date])=2010
   THEN [Sales] ELSE 0 END
   

   Create calculated field - Sales 2011

   IF YEAR([Order Date])=2011
   THEN [Sales] ELSE 0 END
   

2. Then hold shift and select the new measures Sales 2010 and Sales 2011 and from the Show Me section select Bullet Graph. And the resultant image is:

1. We can increase granularity by adding 2 more dimensions to it.

1. Now can create a calculated field to see if the Sales made in 2010 were greater than the Sales in 2011 for the given dimensions. Create calculated field - Sales Performace 2010:

   IF SUM([Sales 2010]) > SUM([Sales 2011]) 
   THEN 'Met Expectations' ELSE 'Failed expectation' END
   

   Then drag it to colors mark card and we get the following image.

Reference:

1. Tableau Essentials: Chart Types – Bullet Graph
2. Build a Bullet Graph
3. Tableau 201: How to Make Bullet Graphs