Pie Chart Examples (Table of Contents)
Definition of Pie Chart
PIE Chart can be defined as a circular chart with multiple divisions in it and each division represents some portion of a total circle or total value. Simply each circle represents the total value of 100 percent and each division contributes some percent to the total.
Examples on Types of Pie Charts
There are different types of PIE charts available in excel. We can view that by clicking on a Pie chart drop down option.
1. 2D Chart
Click on Insert option that available on the top as shown in below image.
Go to charts segment and select the drop down of Pie chart. Which will show different types of PIE charts available in excel.
So, we have 3 different charts under the 2D pie and one under the 3D pie and one under Doughnut. We will see all those charts one by one with an explanation. We can use the same data for all those charts.
We will take a very small data table which is related to employee salary usage. Observe the below table which expresses the expenses of the employee.
The creation of PIE chart is very easy. Select the data of the table.
Now go to PIE chart options which are already explained earlier. Select the type of PIE chart we want to create. First, we will select the first PIE chart from 2D charts. The chart will look like below.
A PIE chart is created with different divisions and each division is represented with different colors. At the bottom, there is a legend which will help to understand what color represents what division on the chart.
But it will be difficult to check the description in the legend and check it on the chart. Now our task is to add the Data series to the PIE chart divisions.
Click on the PIE chart so that the chart will get highlight as shown below.
Right-click and choose the “Add Data Labels “option for additional drop-down options. From that drop down select the option “Add Data Callouts”.
Once we choose “Add Data Callout” the chart will have details like below.
Now each division on the chart represents its name and contributed percentage. In case if we want to add the amount alone to the division. Click on the “+” symbol and select the Data labels option.
In case if we want to add the expenses category to the division. Select the chart and right click from the popup menu select the “Format data labels”
From the “Format Data Labels” menu on the right-hand side. Select the “Category Name” and deselect the value. If we want both select both options.
If we want to change the design, when we select the chart a “Design” menu will appear on the top and we can select the required design.
If we want to change the colors of the division, select the required division as below.
When we select a division, right side a “format data point” menu will appear from that menu change the color.
2. PIE of PIE Chart
Now with the same data, we will create PIE of PIE chart. To create this, we just need to choose the Pie of pie option instead of Pie chart as earlier.
In this pie of pie chart, we will have two pie charts. First one is normal Pie chart and the second one is subset of main pie chart. If we add the labels, then will understand what is covered in the sub chart.
The sub chart has only two categories which are representing the break up of 3900. If we add the labels, then it will show what categories cover the sub Pie chart.
Sub pie chart has school fees and savings which are representing as other in the main part chart.
3. Bar of PIE Chart
Now, while creating the chart just select the Bar of Pie chart then the below chart will be created.
It is as similar to Pie of the pie chart but the only difference is instead of a sub pie chart a sub bar chart will be created. With this, we have completed all the 2D charts and now we will create a 3D Pie chart.
4. 3D PIE Chart
A 3D pie chart is similar to PIE but it has depth in addition to the length and breadth.
If we want to separate the divisions, right click on the chart and select the Format data series. Select the series option and increase the Pie explosion highlighted with a blue color box for reference.
To rotate the chart, adjust the “Angle of first slice” option.
5. Doughnut Chart
The doughnut chart looks different from the other pie charts because this pie chart has a hole in the middle. With that hole, it looks like a Doughnut that is the reason it is referred to as Doughnut chart.
Now it looks like a ring but, if we reduce the hole size then it will more look like a Doughnut as below.
To reduce the hole size right click on the chart and select the Format Data series and reduce the hole size. Try other options like color change, soften edges, doughnut explosion, etc as per our requirement.
In case if we add another additional line item at the bottom then we need to edit the data. Right click on the chart and choose the “select Data “ option.
The below Menu will appear from that click on the “Edit” option.
If we choose Edit, below pop up will come. Change the series values to H8 to H9.
Click on Ok and then the PIE chart will add one more division as below.
Things to Remember About Pie Chart Examples
- Do not use negative values as it will not show any difference in the chart and it may create the confusion too.
- It is advisable to use not more than 7 segments or division as more number of divisions will not look that much clear for visibility.
- Try to use different colors for each division in case if the system creates with little similar colors, because the similar colors may difficult to differentiate divisions.
- PIE charts are useful for representing the nominal and ordinal data categories.
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