How to Create Pie Chart in Excel

If you work with data and need to present it in an organized and easy-to-understand way, Excel is your go-to tool. One of its most powerful functions is creating charts, and a pie chart is one of the most popular types. Pie charts are effective for illustrating proportions, percentages, and relative values, and can give you a quick visual representation of data that can be hard to digest in a table. In this tutorial, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of creating a pie chart in Excel. Whether you’re an Excel rookie or a seasoned user, you’ll be able to follow along and create professional-looking charts in no time.

Step 1: Prepare your data

The first step in creating a pie chart is to prepare your data. Your data should be organized in a table with clear headings and categories. You need two columns: one for labels and one for values. The labels column should contain the names or categories of the data you are representing, and the values column should contain the corresponding numbers that make up the data.

Tip:

It’s a good idea to make sure your data is accurate and complete before creating the chart.

Step 2: Select your data

Once you have your data organized, select it by dragging your cursor over the cells. Be sure to include both columns. You can also use Excel’s named ranges to make it easier to select your data.

Tip:

If you have a lot of data, it may be helpful to hide the rows or columns that are not included in your chart. This will help you focus on the data you need.

Step 3: Insert a pie chart

With your data selected, go to the “Insert” tab on the ribbon menu and click on the “Pie” chart button. Excel will show you a variety of pie chart options. Select the one that best fits your needs. Excel will insert the chart into your worksheet.

Tip:

If you’re not sure which pie chart to use, you can hover over each option to see a preview of what it will look like with your data.

Step 4: Customize your chart

Now that you have a pie chart, you can customize it to suit your needs. Excel provides a variety of customization options, such as changing the colors, font size, and chart title. You can also add data labels to show the percentage or value of each data point.

Tip:

The “Design” and “Format” tabs on the ribbon menu provide a variety of customization options. Take some time to explore these tabs and experiment with different styles and settings.

Step 5: Save and share your chart

Once your chart is complete, don’t forget to save your work. You can save your chart as part of your Excel workbook, or you can save it as a separate image or PDF file. You can then share your chart with others by attaching it to an email or including it in a presentation.

Tip:

If you need to update your chart in the future, you can do so by simply updating your data. Excel will automatically update the chart to reflect your changes.

When to use a pie chart

Pie charts are best suited for showing how a whole unit is divided into its parts. You can use a pie chart to show things like market share, proportion, percentages, or any other data in which the total is made up of smaller components. Pie charts are not as effective for showing precise values or comparisons between different datasets.

Pie chart best practices

When creating a pie chart, it’s important to follow some best practices to ensure that your chart is effective and professional-looking. Here are some tips:

Avoid too many slices

If your chart has too many slices, it can be hard to read and the slices can blend together. Try to limit your chart to no more than six or seven slices.

Use contrasting colors

Using contrasting colors will make it easier to distinguish between the different slices of your chart. Use colors that are visually appealing and consistent with your brand or message.

Start the chart at 12 o’clock

Starting the chart at 12 o’clock and moving clockwise will make it easier to read and understand. If your chart has a lot of slices, consider rearranging them to make sure the most important ones are at the top of the chart.

Avoid 3D charts

While 3D charts can look impressive, they can also make it harder to read and interpret the data. Stick with a 2D chart for a clearer and more effective presentation.

Creating a pie chart in Excel is quick and easy, and can be a powerful way to communicate your data. By following these simple steps and best practices, you can create professional-looking charts that effectively convey your message. Whether you’re presenting to your boss or colleagues, or just need a quick visualization to make sense of your data, Excel pie charts are a great tool to have in your arsenal.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about creating pie charts in Excel:

1. Can I change the size of my pie chart?

Yes, you can change the size of your pie chart by clicking on the chart and dragging the sizing handles. You can also resize the chart by going to the “Format Chart Area” tab on the ribbon menu and entering the dimensions you want.

2. How do I change the order of the slices in my pie chart?

To change the order of the slices in your pie chart, you can simply rearrange the data in your spreadsheet. Excel will automatically update the chart to reflect your changes.

3. What if one slice of my pie chart is too small to see or read?

If one slice of your pie chart is too small to see or read, you can either combine it with another slice or remove it altogether. If the slice is important, you can also try using data labels or a legend to show the exact value of the slice.

4. Can I add a title to my pie chart?

Yes, you can add a title to your pie chart by clicking on the chart and going to the “Chart Title” option in the “Layout” tab on the ribbon menu. You can also format the title to change the font, size, and color.

5. What’s the difference between a pie chart and a donut chart?

A donut chart is a variation of a pie chart that has a hole in the center. Donut charts are often used to show two or more sets of data in a single chart or to emphasize the middle slice of a pie chart. To create a donut chart in Excel, select the “Pie” chart option and then choose the “donut” option.