What is a variability chart used for in Tableau?

A variability chart in Tableau is specifically designed to illustrate fluctuations and stability of values over time, making it an effective tool for visualizing trends and changes in data. This type of chart allows analysts to observe the degree of variability in a dataset, which can be crucial for identifying patterns, understanding consistency, and uncovering potential anomalies over a specified time frame.

The chart typically highlights how data points can vary, facilitating a deeper analysis of performance metrics like sales, temperature, or any measure that can fluctuate in a temporal context. By examining this variability, users can make informed decisions about forecasting, reporting, and strategizing based on historical trends.

The other options do not encapsulate the primary function of a variability chart. Displaying static data over a single period focuses on immutability rather than change, while representing categorical data in a pie chart format relates to a completely different visualization purpose. Similarly, a chart that only shows the highest values misses the opportunity to convey the full context of the data's variability and trends over time. Hence, the use of a variability chart is entirely aligned with capturing and showcasing the dynamics within the dataset.