Tableau
Tableau Funtion: RUNNING_COUNT( )
Tableau Function: RUNNING_COUNT( )
Category: Table Calculation Functions
Purpose
The RUNNING_COUNT() function in Tableau is a table calculation that computes a cumulative (running) count of values across rows in a partition. For each row, it returns the total number of non-null values encountered from the first row up to the current row, based on the defined sort order.
In simple terms, RUNNING_COUNT() answers:
“How many values have occurred so far?”
Type of Calculations
Table calculations
Cumulative (running) calculations
Count-based analytics
Order-dependent calculations
RUNNING_COUNT() is evaluated after aggregation and depends on the structure, partitioning, and sorting of the view.
Practical Use Cases
Tracking cumulative event counts over time
Monitoring record growth or transaction volume
Creating running totals of occurrences
Building milestone or progress indicators
Supporting rate-based metrics when combined with other functions
RUNNING_COUNT(expression)
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| expression | Aggregate / table calculation | The field or aggregated expression to count cumulatively. Only non-null values are counted. |
How It Works?
Mathematical / Logical Principle
For each row n, RUNNING_COUNT() calculates:
RUNNING_COUNT = COUNT of non-null values from row 1 to row n
It is functionally equivalent to:
RUNNING_SUM( IIF( NOT ISNULL(expression), 1, 0 ) )
But implemented more efficiently and cleanly.
Example Formula
RUNNING_COUNT(SUM([Orders]))
Computes the running count of Orders
What Does It Return?
Data Type: Integer
Meaning:
Returns the cumulative count of non-null values from the first row to the current row
Increments as new non-null values appear
Example Output
| Row | Value | RUNNING_COUNT() |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 1 |
| 2 | B | 2 |
| 3 | NULL | 2 |
| 4 | C | 3 |
When Should We Use It?
Use RUNNING_COUNT() when you need to:
Track cumulative counts over time
Measure progress or growth
Count occurrences sequentially
Support running-rate calculations
Build analytical dashboards showing accumulation
Basic Usage
Running count of records
RUNNING_COUNT(SUM([Sales]))
Counts non-null Sales values cumulatively
Column Usage
Running count by date
RUNNING_COUNT([Order ID])
Tracks number of orders over time
Calculate average per event
RUNNING_SUM(SUM([Sales])) / RUNNING_COUNT(SUM([Sales]))
Produces a cumulative average
Advanced Usage
Conditional running count
RUNNING_COUNT(
IF SUM([Profit]) > 0 THEN 1 END
)
Counts only rows meeting a condition
Running count within partitions
RUNNING_COUNT([Customer ID])
(with Compute Using set per Region)
Tracks cumulative customers per region
Tips and Tricks
Only non-null values are counted
Always define sorting for predictable results
Combine with
RUNNING_SUM()for rates and averagesSensitive to Compute Using and partitioning
Not usable in row-level or LOD calculations
Related Functions
Functions commonly used alongside or as alternatives to RUNNING_COUNT():
RUNNING_SUM()RUNNING_AVG()COUNT()WINDOW_COUNT()INDEX()LOOKUP()
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1. What does RUNNING_COUNT() do in Tableau?
It calculates the cumulative count of non-null values from the first row to the current row.
2. Does RUNNING_COUNT() count NULL values?
No, only non-null values are counted.
3. Is RUNNING_COUNT() affected by sorting?
Yes, sorting determines the order in which values are counted.
4. Is RUNNING_COUNT() a table calculation?
Yes, it is evaluated after aggregation and depends on the view layout.
5. How is RUNNING_COUNT() different from COUNT()?
COUNT() returns a total count, while RUNNING_COUNT() returns a cumulative count across rows.