Comparing Data: Pie and Doughnut Charts

Comparing Data: Pie and Doughnut Charts

Create a Pie and a Doughnut Chart to compare small numbers of data points. 

When to use

We use a pie or a doughnut chart whenever we want to compare small data points as a percentage of 100. 

Instructions

Pie vs Doughnut Charts

A pie chart is a statistical, circular chart that is divided into slices (much like a pie) to represent numerical proportions. Pie charts work best with small, comparison datasets. Too many data points can produce a confusing chart with very small slices making it hard to interpret. Doughnut charts are similar to pie charts but they have a hole in the middle much like a doughnut. Doughnut charts are better at representing a larger number of data points than pie charts as they can be turned into racetrack charts with concentric rings. We can also use the hole in the middle of the doughnut chart to liven up the graphic by adding a title, a label, or an icon. 

Both charts are used to compare parts against a whole. 

Create a Pie Chart

• Select the data. 
• From the Insert tab, in the Charts group, click the drop-down next to Pie or Doughnut Chart and choose 2-D Pie Chart. 

Format a Pie Chart

Change the Chart Style

• Click on the Pie Chart. 
• From the Chart Design tab, click the drop-down to expand the Chart Styles gallery. 
• Choose a chart style. 

Change Chart Colors

• From the Chart Design tab, click the drop-down next to Change Colors. 
• Choose a color palette from the list. 

Alternatively, you can select different parts of the pie chart and change the colors via the Format tab. 

Add Data Labels

• Right-click on the chart and choose Add Data Labels. 
• Click on the data labels and press CTRL+B to make them bold. 
• From the Home tab, in the Font group, click the Font Color drop-down and choose White from the palette. 

Create a Doughnut Chart

Let's turn our Pie Chart into a Doughnut Chart. 

• Click on the Pie Chart. 
• From the Chart Design tab, in the Type group, click Change Chart Type. 
• From the Pie category, select the Doughnut Chart. 
• Click OK. 

Format a Doughnut Chart

Change the Hole Size

• Press CTRL+1 to open the Format Data Series pane. 
• Use the slider to change the Doughnut Hole Size. 

Change Colors

Let's change the color of the chart so it's monochromatic. 

• From the Chart Design tab, click Change Colors. 
• Choose Monochromatic Palette 7 from the list. 

Display Multiple Series (Racetrack Chart)

We can easily display multiple series of data in a doughnut chart and turn it into a racetrack chart. 

Let's add another data series. In addition to showing the coffee type and the revenue, we also want to see the profit. 

• Click on the chart. 
• From the Chart Design tab, in the Data group, click on Select Data. 
• In the Legend Entries area, click Add. 
• In the Series name field, select the column header 'Profit ($)'. 
• In the Series values field, select the range of values in the profit column. 
• Click OK. 

The Revenue is now represented by the inner ring and the Profit is represented by the outer ring. 

Change Data Labels

• Add Data Labels to the new series. 
• Select the Data Labels and press CTRL+1 to open the Format Data Labels pane. 
• In Label Options remove the tick from the Value box and tick the Series Name box. 
• Repeat this process for the other ring. 

We will now see Profit and Revenue displayed on the chart instead of the actual values. However, the labels are repeated. 

• Delete all duplicated labels, just leaving one of each to represent each ring. 

NOTE: the delete single labels and not all, click twice on the data label. 

• Drag and drop the labels so they are positioned outside of the chart. 

Add an Image

The doughnut hole provides unlimited options for making the chart more interesting to look at. We could add text or even an image to make the chart more engaging and interesting. 

• From the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click Picture. 
• Choose Place over cells. 
• Select From File. 
• Navigate to the course files folder and select 'coffee.png'. 
• Click OK.
• Resize the image and place it inside the doughnut hole.