Custom Shape Waffle Chart with Dynamic Legends and Metrics in Tableau

Learn how to create a basic waffle chart with custom shapes in Tableau and pair it with a legend that matches those shapes. The legend reinforces the meaning behind the waffle chart by displaying category values and related metrics.

To build the legend, I use two SUM(0) fields in the Columns shelf to create two marks.
1. First Mark: Change the mark type to Shape and select the same custom shape used in the waffle chart (e.g., rounded containers, stars, or icons).
2. Second Mark: Change the mark type to Text, then add the status category value (e.g., Complete, Pending, Cancelled) along with relevant metrics like the total number of orders and the percentage of orders represented in the waffle chart.

This method creates a clear, intuitive legend that helps users easily understand the waffle chart. The custom shapes in the legend visually match the chart, while the additional metrics provide context and detail, improving the overall clarity and effectiveness of your dashboard.
Tableau: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/samantha.cohn/viz/BeyondBasicChartsModernOrdersTab/Orders

Tableau: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/samantha.cohn/viz/BeyondBasicChartsModernOrdersTab/Orders

Excel: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LD5zIeEx9Lvv-37tSYeUAub-9ahESLiHSMW4u2QwbtQ/edit?usp=sharing

Formulas: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bXlz1Z05J_rhS1LVXvaAe4l4yODTlkmy6oK4ln394yI/edit?usp=sharing

Rounded Corner Box: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14gm7FmNqanJmiGFKAy4r7ly-WKhV6uxL/view?usp=sharing

Видео Custom Shape Waffle Chart with Dynamic Legends and Metrics in Tableau канала Golden Insights