Creating Parameters

Parameters are dynamic, user-controlled values that can replace constant values in calculations, filters, and reference lines. They enable interactive what-if analysis, allowing end users to modify visualization behavior without editing worksheets. Parameters can be numeric, string, date, or Boolean types. They appear as interactive controls in dashboards.

To create parameters, perform the following steps.

1. In the Data tab, click the down arrow displayed.

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2. Select Create Parameter.

3. To create a parameter:

   1. Enter Name: Top N

   2. Data type: Integer

   3. Current value: 5

   4. Allowable values: Range 1–5

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4. Create calculated field: RANK(SUM([Sales])) <= [Top N]

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5. Click Ok.

6. Right-click the parameter and select Show Parameter.

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7. Drag the calculated field to the filters pane and select the “True” option.

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8. Drag Category and sum sales, and select 5 for the parameter.

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9. Now change the value of the parameter to 5 and observe that the data is changing.

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