How to Connect Oracle to Tableau

How do I connect an Oracle database to Tableau?

Connect Oracle databases to Tableau by configuring drivers, network access, and connection parameters to build live or extracted dashboards.

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Description

How do I connect Oracle to Tableau Desktop?

Install the Oracle client, configure network access, and fill in server, port, and service name in Tableau's Oracle connector.

What drivers must be installed?

Download the 64-bit Oracle Instant Client (Basic + ODBC) matching your Tableau version. Place DLLs in a folder on PATH and reboot Tableau so it detects oci.dll.

Which network settings are required?

Open TCP port 1521 between Tableau and the Oracle host. If the database uses a different port, specify it in the server field as hostname:port.

How do I enter connection details?

In Tableau → Connect → Oracle, enter Server (hostname or IP), Service Name (or SID), and credentials. Optionally tick “Require SSL” when using Oracle Advanced Security.

Can I connect with a TNS alias?

Yes. Copy tnsnames.ora to NETWORK\ADMIN inside the Instant Client folder, then type the alias (e.g., PROD_DB) in Tableau’s Server box.

How do I publish Oracle-backed dashboards to Tableau Server?

Verify the server also has the Oracle client, set up an identical TNS entry, and grant the Run As user access to the wallet or credential store.

Live vs. Extract connections?

Use Live when data freshness matters and query latency is acceptable. Use Extracts to offload Oracle, speed dashboards, and enable incremental refresh schedules.

Best practices for secure and fast connections

Limit privileges to a reporting schema, create optimized views, and index columns used in joins and filters. Monitor Tableau’s postgres repository for slow queries.

Why How to Connect Oracle to Tableau is important

How to Connect Oracle to Tableau Example Usage


-- Calculate low-stock products for a replenishment dashboard
SELECT p.id,
       p.name,
       p.stock,
       SUM(oi.quantity) AS units_sold_last_30d
FROM   Products    p
JOIN   OrderItems  oi ON oi.product_id = p.id
JOIN   Orders      o  ON o.id = oi.order_id
WHERE  o.order_date >= SYSDATE - 30
GROUP  BY p.id, p.name, p.stock
HAVING p.stock < 50
ORDER  BY p.stock ASC;

How to Connect Oracle to Tableau Syntax


-- Basic TNS connection string
(DESCRIPTION=
  (ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=TCP)(HOST=oracle-prod.acme.com)(PORT=1521))
  (CONNECT_DATA=(SERVICE_NAME=ORCLPDB1))
)

-- Tableau Oracle connector parameters
Server: oracle-prod.acme.com
Port: 1521 (optional if default)
Service: ORCLPDB1 | SID: ORCL
Username: ecommerce_analytics
Password: ********

-- Example query after connecting in Tableau SQL Editor
SELECT c.id,
       c.name,
       COUNT(o.id) AS order_count,
       SUM(o.total_amount) AS lifetime_value
FROM   Customers  c
JOIN   Orders     o ON o.customer_id = c.id
GROUP  BY c.id, c.name
ORDER  BY lifetime_value DESC;

Common Mistakes

Skipping the Oracle client install leads Tableau to show a “Oracle not found” error. Fix by installing the corresponding 64-bit Instant Client and restarting Tableau.
Using SID when the database expects SERVICE_NAME causes ORA-12514. Confirm which identifier is registered in the listener and enter it in the correct field.