What is the function of the "Dual Axis" feature in Tableau?

The "Dual Axis" feature in Tableau allows users to overlay two different measures onto a single axis, which is particularly useful for comparing two data sets that may have different scales or units of measurement. This method enhances data visualization by presenting the measures in a single chart, providing a clearer context for comparison, such as visualizing sales revenue against profit margins on the same graph.

When utilizing dual axes, Tableau automatically creates two separate axes on the same graph, one for each measure, which can help illustrate relationships and trends that might not be as apparent when each measure is displayed on a separate chart. This approach simplifies analysis, as it allows for an immediate juxtaposition of the measures.

Creating a separate chart for each measure would not achieve the same level of comparative analysis since it would require viewers to toggle between different visualizations. Similarly, creating dual visualizations side by side or splitting the visualization into multiple sections does not utilize the advantage of combining the two measures for a direct comparison, which is the essence of what dual axes accomplish in Tableau.