What differentiates a calculated field from a table calculation in Tableau?

The correct understanding of the difference between a calculated field and a table calculation in Tableau lies in their purposes and the stages at which they operate on the data.

A calculated field is created within the data source itself and modifies the underlying data by allowing users to define new values based on existing data fields or formulas. This means that calculated fields can be utilized in any part of the Tableau Dashboard where data is pulled from the data source, irrespective of how that data is being visualized.

On the other hand, a table calculation is applied after data has been retrieved from the data source and is specifically designed to work with the results of visualizations. This means table calculations operate on the already aggregated results displayed in the view, enabling dynamic calculations like running totals, percent of total, and other transformations based on the context of the visualization.

Thus, the key differentiation is that calculated fields are defined at the data source level, introducing new data elements, whereas table calculations manipulate the results generated in a specific visualization context, focusing primarily on how those visualized results are interpreted and displayed.