How to Explode a Pie Chart in Excel

If you’ve been tasked with creating a pie chart in Excel, you may have already learned that it’s not always the ideal way to represent your data. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to explode or separate the slices of a pie chart in Excel. By following a few straightforward steps, you can turn a standard pie chart into an eye-catching and informative visualization that better communicates your data and makes your reports stand out.

Why Explode a Pie Chart?

Before we get started on how to explode a pie chart in Excel, it’s important to understand why you might want to do so. Standard pie charts can be difficult to read, especially when many slices are close in size. By exploding or separating the slices, you can make it easier for your audience to see the differences between segments and better understand your data.

Step-by-Step Directions to Explode a Pie Chart in Excel

Step 1: Create a Standard Pie Chart

To get started, you’ll need to create a standard pie chart in Excel. Select the data you want to use, then go to the “Insert” tab and click “Pie Chart.” Choose the style you prefer, and Excel will generate your chart.

Step 2: Select the Slice You Want to Explode

To select the slice you want to explode, click on the pie chart. The entire chart will be selected, but you’ll see that the slice you clicked on is highlighted.

Step 3: Explode the Slice

Right-click on the slice you want to explode and select “Format Data Point.” In the “Format Data Point” dialog box, go to the “Pie Explosion” section. Enter the amount you want to separate the slice from the rest of the chart. You can use a percentage or a specific value.

Step 4: Move the Exploded Slice

Once you’ve exploded the slice, it’s likely that the rest of the chart will be hard to read. You can move the exploded slice to a new location in the chart by clicking on it again and dragging it to the desired location.

Step 5: Adjust the Explosion for Other Slices (Optional)

If you want to explode other slices in the chart, simply repeat steps 2-4 for each one. Make sure you adjust the explosion amount accordingly so that the chart stays balanced and easy to read.

By following these simple steps, you can create an exploded pie chart in Excel that better communicates your data and makes your reports stand out. Experiment with different explosion amounts and chart styles to find what works best for your needs.

Tips for Using Exploded Pie Charts

Now that you know how to explode a pie chart in Excel, it’s important to keep a few design tips in mind when creating your charts.

Limit the Number of Slices

If you have too many slices in your pie chart, it can be difficult for your audience to see the differences between them. Try to limit the number of slices to six or seven, and group smaller slices together into an “Other” category.

Use Bright Colors

Bright colors can help your chart stand out and make it easier to read. Consider using a color scheme that matches your company’s branding or the theme of your report.

Avoid Over-Exploding the Slices

While it may be tempting to explode the slices as much as possible, this can actually make your chart harder to read. A little bit of separation goes a long way, so try to keep your explosion amounts around 10-20% to ensure that your chart remains balanced.

Wrapping Up

Exploding a pie chart in Excel can be a great way to make your data more engaging and easier to understand. By following these steps and design tips, you can create a visually appealing chart that effectively communicates your message. Remember to experiment with different chart styles and explosion amounts to find what works best for your needs.

FAQ

Here are some common questions people have when learning how to explode a pie chart in Excel.

What version of Excel do I need to make an exploded pie chart?

The ability to create an exploded pie chart in Excel is available on Excel 2013 and later versions.

How do I change the color of the slices in an exploded pie chart?

To change the color of slices in an exploded pie chart in Excel, click on the chart and go to the “Format Data Point” dialog box. Select “Fill & Line” on the left-hand side, then choose your preferred color.

What if I want to explode multiple slices in my pie chart?

You can explode multiple slices in your pie chart by repeating steps 2-4 in the “Step-by-Step Directions to Explode a Pie Chart in Excel” section for each slice you want to explode.

Can I explode a slice in a 3D pie chart?

Yes, you can explode a slice in a 3D pie chart. The process is the same as for a standard pie chart, just make sure you select the right slice.

How do I unexplode a slice in an exploded pie chart?

To unexplode a slice in an exploded pie chart in Excel, right-click on the slice and select “Format Data Point.” In the “Pie Explosion” section, set the explosion amount to 0% or to the original value.