Tableau
Tableau Funtion: WINDOW_MIN( )
Tableau Function: WINDOW_MIN( )
Category: Table Calculation Functions
What Is the Function?
The WINDOW_MIN() function in Tableau is a table calculation that returns the minimum value of an expression within a defined window of rows in a partition.
In simple terms, WINDOW_MIN() answers:
“What is the lowest value within this specific window?”
Unlike RUNNING_MIN(), which accumulates progressively from the first row to the current row, WINDOW_MIN() allows you to define a custom window range for evaluating the minimum.
Type of Calculations
Table calculations
Window-based aggregations
Minimum value calculations
Order-dependent analytics
It evaluates the minimum value within a specified window relative to the current row.
Practical Use Cases
Creating rolling minimum values
Identifying local troughs or dips
Comparing current value to nearby lows
Monitoring downside risk in financial data
Detecting threshold breaches within time windows
WINDOW_MIN(expression, [start, end])
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| expression | Aggregate / table calculation | Numeric expression whose minimum 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 minimum among those values
Conceptually:
WINDOW_MIN = MIN(values within specified window)
The window is defined relative to the current row using offsets.
Return Value
Data Type: Numeric (same as expression)
Meaning:
Returns the minimum value within the defined window
May vary for each row depending on window boundaries
When Should We Use It?
Use WINDOW_MIN() when you need to:
Calculate rolling minimums
Identify local lows or troughs
Compare values against nearby minimum benchmarks
Analyze downside trends
Create threshold-based alerts
Basic Usage
Full partition minimum
WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Sales]))
Returns the overall minimum Sales value
Column Usage
3-period rolling minimum
WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Sales]), -2, 0)
Evaluates current row and previous two rows
Centered rolling minimum
WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Sales]), -1, 1)
Evaluates previous, current, and next rows
Advanced Usage
Compare value to rolling minimum
SUM([Sales]) - WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Sales]), -2, 0)
Shows how far current value is above recent low
Dynamic window size with parameter
WINDOW_MIN(
SUM([Sales]),
-[Window Size],
0
)
Enables interactive rolling minimum analysis
Tips and Tricks
Always verify Compute Using settings
Define proper sorting (especially for time series)
Combine with
WINDOW_MAX()to analyze rangesWindow exceeding partition boundaries adjusts automatically
Partition size directly affects results
Related Functions
Functions commonly used alongside or as alternatives to WINDOW_MIN():
RUNNING_MIN()WINDOW_MAX()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_MIN() do in Tableau?
It returns the minimum value within a defined window of rows.
2. How is WINDOW_MIN() different from RUNNING_MIN()?
WINDOW_MIN() uses a custom window range, while RUNNING_MIN() accumulates progressively.
3. Is WINDOW_MIN() affected by sorting?
Yes, sorting determines the order of rows within the window.
4. Can WINDOW_MIN() be used for rolling analysis?
Yes, by specifying row offsets.
5. What happens if the window exceeds partition boundaries?
Tableau automatically adjusts the window to stay within the partition.