In Tableau, if you add Order Date to the Columns shelf as the discrete blue pill "Month" instead of the continuous green "Month", what primary difference will you observe in how the data is displayed?
The discrete Month shows individual column headers for each month and aggregates within them, whereas the continuous Month creates a single continuous time axis on which marks are positioned.
Discrete Month supports dual-axis combinations with other measures, but continuous Month cannot participate in a dual axis.
Using a continuous Month automatically filters the view to the latest 12 months, whereas discrete Month keeps all historical dates.
The discrete Month displays every exact timestamp in the data, while the continuous Month bins dates and removes the time portion.
Discrete date parts (blue) create separate headers for each member of the part-e.g., January, February-segmenting marks into individual columns without a true axis. Continuous date values (green) build a time-based axis whose scale is continuous, so marks are positioned along that timeline and trends can be plotted. Discrete does not provide an axis but groups data; continuous provides an axis and preserves chronological spacing. The other options describe behaviors that are not governed by the discrete-vs-continuous choice.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What does 'discrete' and 'continuous' mean in Tableau?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why does discrete Month create column headers instead of a timeline?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What scenarios are best for using discrete vs. continuous dates in Tableau?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Tableau Desktop Foundations
Understanding Tableau Concepts
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
IT & Cybersecurity Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
Monthly
$19.99 $11.99
$11.99/mo
Billed monthly, Cancel any time.
$19.99 after promotion ends
3 Month Pass
$44.99 $26.99
$8.99/mo
One time purchase of $26.99, Does not auto-renew.
$44.99 after promotion ends
Save $18!
MOST POPULAR
Annual Pass
$119.99 $71.99
$5.99/mo
One time purchase of $71.99, Does not auto-renew.
$119.99 after promotion ends
Save $48!
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$189.99 $113.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
Save $76!
What You Get
All IT & Cybersecurity Package plans include the following perks and exams .