Tableau's New Radial Chart Type | Tableau 2024.2 and Newer

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Finally! Tableau has introduced a proper radial chart extension that eliminates the need for those clunky pie chart workarounds we've all been using to create donut charts. This new extension lets you build professional donut charts, gauges, and multi-ring visualizations with just a few clicks.

The best part? It's backwards compatible with Tableau 24.2 and newer, so most users can start using it right away.

What You'll Learn

• How to install the radial extension from Tableau's marketplace
• Creating basic donut charts with rings and angles
• Adding multiple rings for hierarchical data visualization
• Customizing formatting options and creating gauge-style charts
• Setting up dashboard interactivity and filtering

Installing the Radial Extension

Before you can use radial charts, you'll need to install the extension from Tableau's marketplace.

1. Look for the Extensions section in Tableau's marketplace
2. Find the Radial extension (built by Tableau)
3. Click Open to install the extension

[SCREENSHOT: Show the Tableau Extensions marketplace with the Radial extension highlighted]

💡 Tip: Look for the "Trusted Extension" label - this means it's hosted securely by Tableau, so you can trust it completely.

Once installed, you'll see Radial appear at the bottom of your Marks pane as a new chart type option.

Building Your First Donut Chart

Creating a basic donut chart is incredibly straightforward:

1. Select the Radial chart type from the Marks pane
2. Drag your dimension (like Region) to the Ring shelf
3. Drag your measure (like Sales) to the Angle shelf

[SCREENSHOT: Show the basic donut chart with Region on Ring and Sales on Angle]

That's it! You now have a functional, interactive donut chart that responds to clicks and filters.

Adding Multiple Rings for Hierarchical Data

One of the most powerful features is the ability to create multi-ring visualizations for hierarchical data.

1. With your basic donut chart created, drag an additional dimension to the Ring shelf
2. For example, add Country to create an inner ring with Region as the outer ring

[SCREENSHOT: Show multi-ring chart with Country as inner ring and Region as outer ring]

💡 Tip: Only the outer ring is clickable for interactivity - this prevents confusion about which level you're selecting.

Dashboard Integration and Interactivity

Radial charts work seamlessly with Tableau's dashboard functionality:

1. Add your radial chart to a dashboard
2. Enable the Filter option for dashboard actions
3. Clicking segments in the outer ring will filter other visualizations on the dashboard

[SCREENSHOT: Show the radial chart integrated into a dashboard with other charts responding to selections]

Advanced Formatting Options

The formatting panel offers extensive customization options:

Creating Gauge Charts

1. Click on the Formatting panel
2. Adjust the Total Angle to create semicircle gauges (try 180 degrees)
3. Set the Starting Angle to 270 degrees to position it correctly

[SCREENSHOT: Show a semicircle gauge chart created using the angle settings]

Customizing Appearance

• Padding: Adjust the gap between rings
• Labels: Control font size, style, and visibility
• Center Text: Add total values or custom text in the center
• Colors: Apply custom color palettes, including Tableau 25.3's new palette feature

💡 Tip: For center text, use a specific font size rather than automatic sizing for better control over appearance.

Common Considerations

Color Consistency: The color palette is locked to your first dimension. If you're using consistent colors across your workbook for specific dimensions (like regions), make sure to apply the same palette to maintain consistency.

Font Limitations: The extension doesn't automatically use Tableau's default fonts, so you may need to manually set font preferences in the formatting panel.

Quick Recap

The radial extension transforms how we create circular visualizations in Tableau. No more pie chart workarounds - just clean, professional donut charts, gauges, and multi-ring visualizations.

Key steps: Install the extension, drag dimensions to Ring and measures to Angle, customize formatting as needed, and integrate with your dashboards for interactive filtering.

Ready to explore more Tableau features? Check out the new color palette functionality in Tableau 25.3 to make your radial charts even more visually appealing.