What is the primary purpose of using calculated fields in Tableau?

Using calculated fields in Tableau serves the primary purpose of creating new data points or metrics that are derived from existing data. Calculated fields allow users to implement formulas or expressions to manipulate data, perform calculations, concatenate strings, or generate conditional statements. This capability greatly enhances data analysis by enabling users to tailor data presentations to specific needs.

For example, if you want to calculate a profit margin from sales and cost data, a calculated field allows you to create a new metric called "Profit Margin" using a formula that divides profit by sales. This flexibility supports more advanced analytics and deeper insights directly within your visualizations, making it easier to analyze trends, perform what-if scenarios, or create custom aggregations.

While other options relate to aspects of working with data in Tableau, they do not encapsulate the essential role of calculated fields as effectively. Visualizing data is a function of Tableau’s interaction capabilities, enhancing data connections pertains to how data is sourced, and managing user access levels remains more focused on security rather than data manipulation or analysis.