Explain the Number Function ' LN ' in Tableau with Example?

In Tableau, the LN function is a number function that calculates the natural logarithm of a given number. It returns the logarithm with base e (approximately 2.71828) of the specified number.

The syntax for the LN function in Tableau is as follows:

LN(number)

• number is the numeric value for which you want to calculate the natural logarithm.

Here's an example to illustrate the usage of the LN function in Tableau:

Suppose you have a dataset with a column called "Value" that contains different numeric values.

Value
10.0
2.0
5.0
1.0

To calculate the natural logarithm for the "Value" column using the LN function, you can create a calculated field in Tableau:

1. Right-click on a blank area in the "Data" pane in Tableau.
2. Select "Create Calculated Field."
3. In the formula editor, enter the following expression:

LN([Value])

4. Click "OK" to create the calculated field.

The calculated field, which utilizes the LN function, will calculate the natural logarithm for each value in the "Value" column.

The resulting dataset will be as follows:

Value	Natural Logarithm
10.0	2.3026
2.0	0.6931
5.0	1.6094
1.0	0.0000

In this example, the LN function calculates the natural logarithm for each number in the "Value" column. For instance, the natural logarithm of 10.0 is approximately 2.3026, the natural logarithm of 2.0 is approximately 0.6931, and so on.

The LN function is commonly used in mathematical and statistical calculations, especially when working with exponential growth or decay scenarios. It is useful for transforming data with exponential properties, normalizing skewed distributions, or analyzing trends on a logarithmic scale. By utilizing the LN function in Tableau, you can perform these calculations and gain insights from your data.