Tableau
Tableau Funtion: WINDOW_MAX( )
Tableau Function: WINDOW_MAX( )
Category: Table Calculation Functions
What Is the Function?
Purpose of the Function
The WINDOW_MAX() function in Tableau is a table calculation that returns the maximum value of an expression within a defined window of rows in a partition.
In simple terms, WINDOW_MAX() answers:
“What is the highest value within this specific window?”
Unlike RUNNING_MAX(), which accumulates progressively, WINDOW_MAX() allows you to define a custom range over which the maximum is calculated.
Type of Calculations
Table calculations
Window-based aggregations
Maximum value calculations
Order-dependent analytics
It evaluates values within a specified window relative to the current row.
Practical Use Cases
Creating rolling maximum values
Identifying peak performance within time ranges
Highlighting highest value in a category
Comparing current value to local maximum
Detecting breakout or spike events
WINDOW_MAX(expression, [start, end])
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| expression | Aggregate / table calculation | Numeric expression whose maximum will be evaluated. Must be aggregated. |
| start (optional) | Integer | Starting row offset relative to the current row. |
| end (optional) | Integer | Ending row offset relative to the current row. |
How It Works?
Mathematical / Logical Principle
Collect values within defined window
Evaluate maximum among those values
Conceptually:
WINDOW_MAX = MAX(values within specified window)
The window is determined relative to the current row.
Return Value
Data Type: Numeric (same as expression)
Meaning:
Returns the maximum value within the defined window
May vary for each row depending on window boundaries
When Should We Use It?
Use WINDOW_MAX() when you need to:
Calculate rolling maximums
Identify local peaks
Compare values against nearby highs
Analyze top performance within a window
Build threshold-based alerts
Basic Usage
Full partition maximum
WINDOW_MAX(SUM([Sales]))
Returns the overall maximum Sales value
Column Usage
3-period rolling maximum
WINDOW_MAX(SUM([Sales]), -2, 0)
Evaluates current row and previous two rows
Centered rolling maximum
WINDOW_MAX(SUM([Sales]), -1, 1)
Evaluates previous, current, and next rows
Advanced Usage
Compare value to rolling maximum
SUM([Sales]) / WINDOW_MAX(SUM([Sales]), -2, 0)
Calculates ratio to recent peak
Dynamic window with parameter
WINDOW_MAX(
SUM([Sales]),
-[Window Size],
0
)
Allows interactive rolling maximum
Tips and Tricks
Always verify Compute Using settings
Ensure correct sorting for time-based analysis
Combine with
WINDOW_MIN()to analyze rangeWindow exceeding partition boundaries adjusts automatically
Sensitive to partition size
Related Functions
Functions commonly used alongside or as alternatives to WINDOW_MAX():
RUNNING_MAX()WINDOW_MIN()WINDOW_AVG()WINDOW_SUM()LOOKUP()INDEX()
We’ve got plenty of resources to help you master Tableau functions. For more details, check out the official Tableau documentation. Or, if you’re ready for more practice, let’s dive into related functions and build your Tableau skills further!
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1. What does WINDOW_MAX() do in Tableau?
It returns the maximum value within a defined window of rows.
2. How is WINDOW_MAX() different from RUNNING_MAX()?
WINDOW_MAX() uses a custom range, while RUNNING_MAX() accumulates progressively.
3. Is WINDOW_MAX() affected by sorting?
Yes, sorting determines row order within the window.
4. Can WINDOW_MAX() be used for rolling analysis?
Yes, by specifying row offsets.
5. Does WINDOW_MAX() adjust when window exceeds boundaries?
Yes, Tableau automatically adjusts the window to fit within the partition.