What is the difference between Tableau functions TOTAL() and WINDOW_SUM()?

In this post, we review the difference between Tableau functions TOTAL() and WINDOW_SUM().

They are both Table Calculation functions. They both sum up values that are in your view.

• TOTAL( ) will always calculate the sum of all values in your window
• WINDOW_SUM( ) gives you more control over which values to include in your sum.

Both calculations will do the same thing if you do not set any values for where the WINDOW_SUM( ) function should start and end, or if you set it to start and end at the first and last values in the window.

Notice, the syntax for the WINDOW_SUM( ) function allows you to select a start and endpoint anywhere between the first and last value in the window. Here are some examples of what you can do with that:

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