How to Connect PostgreSQL to Tableau

How do I connect a PostgreSQL database to Tableau?

Connect Tableau to a PostgreSQL database so you can visualize and analyze data in real time.

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Description

Why connect Tableau to PostgreSQL?

Direct connections let analysts build live dashboards without CSV exports, keeping metrics current and eliminating manual refreshes.

What credentials must I collect?

You need host, port (5432 by default), database name, user, password, and—if enforced—SSL mode and certificate files.

How do I install the PostgreSQL driver?

Download the official driver from Tableau’s site → run the installer → restart Tableau Desktop to load the new connector.

How do I add the connection in Tableau Desktop?

1.Open Tableau Desktop → Data ▸ New Data Source
2. Select PostgreSQL → fill in host, port, database, user, and password.
3. Tick Require SSL if your server enforces it.
4. Click Sign In → choose schema → drag tables to the canvas.

Can I use a custom SQL query?

Yes. Click New Custom SQL, paste your query (e.g., join Orders and Customers), and press OK.

Which connection-string parameters matter?

sslmode sets encryption (prefer, require).application_name tags sessions, helping DBAs trace Tableau traffic.

How do I verify my connection?

Run a quick viz: drag order_date to Columns and total_amount to Rows → confirm values match psql output.

Best practices for secure, fast connections?

Create a read-only role in PostgreSQL, restrict to the analytics schema, and enable connection pooling to avoid session floods.

What are common mistakes?

See the section below—fix credentials typos and ensure the driver version matches Tableau’s requirements.

Why How to Connect PostgreSQL to Tableau is important

How to Connect PostgreSQL to Tableau Example Usage


SELECT c.name,
       o.order_date,
       SUM(oi.quantity * p.price) AS customer_spend
FROM   Customers c
JOIN   Orders o      ON o.customer_id = c.id
JOIN   OrderItems oi ON oi.order_id   = o.id
JOIN   Products p    ON p.id          = oi.product_id
WHERE  o.order_date >= CURRENT_DATE - INTERVAL '30 days'
GROUP  BY c.name, o.order_date;

How to Connect PostgreSQL to Tableau Syntax


Connection string (Tableau ▸ Advanced ▸ Initial SQL):

postgresql://<user>:<password>@<host>:<port>/<dbname>?sslmode=require&application_name=tableau

Example for ecommerce data:

postgresql://bi_read:secure@db.prod.internal:5432/store?sslmode=require

Key Parameters:
  user            → role with SELECT on Customers, Orders, Products, OrderItems
  password        → strong secret stored in Tableau credential manager
  host, port      → PostgreSQL server address and port
  dbname          → database that owns the ecommerce tables
  sslmode         → disable | allow | prefer | require (choose require for encryption)
  application_name→ optional tag (helps in pg_stat_activity)

Common Mistakes

Using the superuser account. This grants Tableau far more privileges than needed and violates least-privilege principles. Fix: create a read-only role with SELECT on required schemas only.
Forgetting to enable SSL when the server enforces it. Tableau then shows a generic "Unable to connect" error. Fix: tick "Require SSL" or add sslmode=require in the connection string.