What is the difference between 'Dimensions' and 'Measures' in Tableau? Tableau typically assigns alphabetic (or categorical) data fields, such as dates, descriptions, and locations as 'Dimensions' and numerical or (quantitative) data fields, such as sales, profits, close prices, high prices, and volume as 'Measures'. Tableau calls all fields that are placed on the row shelf 'Measures' and all fields that are placed on the column shelf 'Dimensions'. In Tableau, all fields that are placed on a sheet are called 'Measures' and all fields that are placed on a dashboard are called 'Dimensions'. Only 'Dimensions' can be used in Tableau to create 'Calculated' frelds. 'Measures' cannot be used to create 'Calculated Fields