Welcome

Instructions for screen readers: After you go through the tip sheets in this tutorial, you'll learn how to quickly master chart elements. The
instructions for each sheet start in cell A1, and each subsequent step is in cell A2, A3, and so on.
The instructions will indicate which cells to navigate to for use of a feature, or further reading.
To start, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.

Going beyond pie charts

Need to master pie charts? This tutorial will show you the ropes.
However, sometimes pie charts can have problems. So we'll show
you how to solve those problems with other kinds of charts.

Let's go
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>
First thing's first: When should you use a pie chart? When you need to show parts (slices) that make up a whole.
Firstofthing's
A picture first:April
a pie chart titled: When should
2019 Sales. youis use
The pie chart a pie
sliced into chart?
four slices: Brian When you
$1,100, Dave need
$650, to sh
Kelly, $500, and
EXPERT
parts TIP: This pie chartthat
(slices) has onlymake
four slices.
upThisaiswhole.
ideal because it gives you quick idea of how much each sales rep contribu
If you end up with more than four slices, another chart is probably best. (More on that later.)
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

April 2019 Sales EXPERT TIP

This pie chart has only
Sally four slices. This is ideal
$200 because it gives you a
quick idea of how much
Kelly each sales rep
$500 contributed to sales in
Brian April 2019.
$1,100
If you end up with more
than four slices, another
chart is probably best.
Dave (More on that later.)
$650

Previous
Salesperson April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
 ke up a whole.
enDave
, you need
$650, to show
Kelly, $500, and Sally $200.
much each sales rep contributed to sales in April 2019.

EXPERT TIP
This pie chart has only
four slices. This is ideal
because it gives you a
quick idea of how much
each sales rep
contributed to sales in
April 2019.

If you end up with more

than four slices, another
chart is probably best.
(More on that later.)

Next
Before you create a pie chart, make sure your data is set up correctly: Create one column of categories, and one column of val
Before
Cells B9 throughyou create
C12 contains a There
Data. pie arechart, make
two columns: sureand
Categories your data
Values. is set column
The Categories up correctly: Cr
contains the value
A picture of a pie chart sliced into four slices: Brian
one column of categories, and one column of values. $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
IMPORTANT DETAIL: Notice how the number of categories determines how many slices end up in the pie chart.
Also notice how Excel automatically calculates the percentages of each value behind the scenes. It then sizes the slices for you
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Categories Values

Sally
Brian $1,100 $200
Dave $650
Kelly $500 Kelly
$500
Sally $200 Brian
$1,100

Dave
$650

Previous
 gories, and one column of values.
et column
es up correctly: Create
contains the values Brian, Dave, Kelly, and Sally. The Values column contains the values $1,100, $650, $500, and $200.

n the pie chart.

It then sizes the slices for you. No need for you to write any formulas!

IMPORTANT
DETAIL
Notice how the number of
categories determines
how many slices end up in
the pie chart.

Also notice how Excel

automatically calculates
the percentages of each
value behind the scenes. It
then sizes the slices for
you. No need for you to
write any formulas!

Next
50, $500, and $200.
Another thing to do beforehand: Type a title above the values. This will end up as the title of the pie chart itself, so make it de
Another
Cells B12 throughthing to do
C16 contains Data.beforehand: Type
The Data has a descriptive a April
title: title above
2019 Sales. the values. This will en
A picture
as the of a pie chartof
title thatthe
has apie
descriptive
chart title:itself,
April 2019
soSales.
makeThe pieitchart is sliced into four slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $
descriptive.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

... so that the cha

end up with that
Put a descriptive title April 2019 Sales title.
here ...
Sally
$200

April 2019 Sales

Brian $1,100 Kelly
Dave $650 $500 Brian
Kelly $500 $1,100
Sally $200

Dave
$650

Previous
 he pie chart itself, so make it descriptive.
e values. This will end up
four slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
e.
L+PAGE UP.

... so that the chart will

end up with that same
title.

Next
One last thing to do before creating a chart: Sort the values from largest to smallest. This will make the slices easily readable in
One
Cells last thing
B13 through to data.
C16 contains do The
before creating
data is titled: April 2019 aSales.
chart:
There Sort
are fourthe
rows:values from
Brian $1,100, largest
Dave $650, Kelly $5
A picture of a pie chart
smallest. This titled: Aprilmake
will 2019 Sales.
the Theslices
pie chart is sliced into
easily four slices: Brian
readable in$1,100, Dave $650, Kelly
a clockwise $500, and
direction
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

April 2019 Sales

This column is sorted from Sally
largest to smallest... $200

April 2019 Sales

Brian $1,100 Kelly
Dave $650 $500 Brian
Kelly $500 $1,100
Sally $200

Dave
$650

Previous
make the slices easily readable in a clockwise direction.
values
Brian from
$1,100, largest
Dave $650, to and Sally $200. An arrow pointing towards the data has a label that says, "This column is sorted from l
Kelly $500,
100, Dave $650, Kelly
clockwise $500, and Sally $200. An arrow pointing towards the pie chart has a label that says, "...the largest slice will start at th
direction.
L+PAGE UP.

... and the largest slice will

start at the "12 o'clock"
position. Then the rest of
the slices will follow in a
clockwise direction.

n
0

Next
"This column is sorted from largest to smallest..."
he largest slice will start at the "12 o'clock" position, and the rest of the slices will follow in a clockwise direction."
Practice
Practice
1. In cell C11, type a descriptive title like "April 2019 Sales."
2. Now right-click any of the numbers and choose Sort > Sort Largest to Smallest (ALT+A+SD).
3. Select one of the cells with numbers. Then on the Insert tab (ALT+N), click the Pie button (Q), and select the first 2D pie opti
1 the
4. Move
In cell C11, type a
pie to a better 2 Nowtheright-click any 3the Select one of the
descriptive titleposition, and thenofatthe top of the window, click
numbers Chart with
cells Design tab (ALT+JC). Then click Change
Cells B12 through C152019
like "April contains Data. The Data andhaschoose
four rows: Kelly
Sort > $500, Dave $650, Brian $1,100,
numbers. Then onand Sally $200.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE
Sales." SortDOWN. To goto
Largest to the previous sheet,
the press
InsertCTRL+PAGE
tab, UP.
Smallest. click the Pie
button:

And then the first

Kelly $500 2D pie option:
Dave $650
Brian $1,100
Sally $200

Previous
Q), and select the first 2D pie option.
of the 4 clickMove
n tab (ALT+JC). Then
the pie to a
Change Colors (H) to pick a different set of colors for the chart.
better position,
1,100,
Then onand Sally $200. and then at the top
TRL+PAGE
tab, UP. of the window,
ie click the Chart
Design tab. Then
click Change
Colors to pick a
the first different set of
ion: colors for the
chart.

Next
You made a pie chart, that's great! But we can make it even better. One way to do that is to directly label the slices using data
You made a pie chart, that's great! But we can make it even better. One w
A picture of a pie chart titled: April 2019 Sales. The pie chart is sliced into four slices. Below the pie chart lists four names: Bria
TRYdo that
THIS: is to
Right-click anydirectly label
slice, and choose Add the slices
Data Labels usingNow
(ALT+JC+D). data
you canlabels. Read
see the exact valueshow toslice.
for each do thi
To under "Try
continue with this this," below.
tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

April 2019 Sales

Brian Dave Kelly Sally

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
directly label the slices using data labels. Read how to do this under "Try this", below.
it even better. One way to
he pie chart lists four names: Brian, Dave, Kelly, and Sally.
.exact
Readvalueshow
for eachtoslice.
do this
TRL+PAGE UP.

TRY THIS
Right-click any slice,
and choose Add
Data Labels. Now
you can see the
exact values for
each slice.

Next
Let's make the data labels even better. Data labels can show values, as shown below. But they can also show each category, w
Let's make the data labels even better. Data labels can show values, as s
A picture of a pie chart titled: April 2019 Sales. The pie chart is sliced into four slices: $1,100, $650, $500, and $200. Below the
TRYbelow. But athey
THIS: Right-click slice andcan
choose also show
Format each
Data Labels. In thecategory. Give
pane that appears, it the
select a shot
Categoryyourself byAnd
name checkbox.
To following
continue with thisthe steps
tutorial, press below.
CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

April 2019 Sales

$200

$500
$1,100

$650

Brian Dave Kelly Sally

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
ey can also show each category, which makes a legend unnecessary.
an show values, as shown
$650, $500, and $200. Below the pie chart lists four names: Brian, Dave, Kelly, and Sally.
a shot
the Categoryyourself byAnd below that, set the Separator to (New line). Now right-click the legend and delete it, since it's not neede
name checkbox.
TRL+PAGE UP.

TRY THIS
Right-click a slice and
choose Format Data
Labels.

In the pane that appears,

select the Category name
checkbox. And below that,
set the Separator to (New
line).
Now right-click the legend
and delete it, since it's not
needed anymore.

Next
delete it, since it's not needed anymore.
Data labels can also show percentages. This is handy when you already know the total, and you just need to see the percentag
Data labels can also show percentages. This is handy when you already k
A picture of a pie chart titled: April 2019 Sales. The pie chart is sliced into four slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and
TRYthe
THIS: total,
Right-clickand
a sliceyou justFormat
and choose need toLabels.
Data seeInthe percentage
the pane that appears, clickfor each Since
Percentage. slice. Trytheitperce
adding ou
To yourself...
continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

April 2019 Sales

Sally
$200

Kelly
$500
Brian
$1,100

Dave
$650

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
 ou just need to see the percentage for each slice. Try it out below!
when you already know
1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
rercentage.
each Sinceslice. Trytheitpercentages
adding out makes the labels crowded, go ahead uncheck the Value checkbox.
TRL+PAGE UP.

TRY THIS
Right-click a slice and
choose Format Data
Labels.

In the pane that appears,

click Percentage.

Since adding the

percentages makes the
labels crowded, go ahead
uncheck the Value
checkbox.

Next
Here's a tip: Use color to emphasize and de-emphasize slices. This is useful when the chart is on a PowerPoint slide, and you n
Here's a tip: Use color to emphasize and de-emphasize slices. This is use
A picture of a pie chart titled: April 2019 Sales. The pie chart is sliced into four slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and
To when thethischart
continue with tutorial,is onCTRL+PAGE
press a PowerPoint
DOWN. To goslide, and sheet,
to the previous you pressneed the audience
CTRL+PAGE UP. to fo
one of the slices.

April 2019 Sales

Sally
$200

Kelly
$500
Brian
$1,100

Dave
$650

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
 on a PowerPoint slide, and you need the audience to focus on one of the slices.
ze slices. This is useful
1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200. All the slices are de-emphasized by the color gray except for the slice, Dave $650, which is em
d the audience
TRL+PAGE UP. to focus on

Next
slice, Dave $650, which is emphasized by the color yellow.
Practice using color to emphasize and de-emphasize slices
Practice using color to emphasize and de-emphasize sl
1. Right-click one of the slices below, and choose Format Data Series. Then, in the Format Data Series pane, click the Paint buc
2. In the Format Data Series pane, under Fill, and choose a gray for the Color option.
3. Now select a slice. To do this, click an empty area of a slice, but don't select a data label. You'll know you've selected a slice
1 Right-click
4. Right-click
one of 2 Format
In the Format 3DataNow select a slice.
thethe selected
slices below,slice, and choose Data Data
SeriesPoint. In the Format
pane, ToPoint pane,click
do this, clickan
the Fill icon, and then chan
A picture of a pie chart
and choose titled: April 2019 Sales. The pie chart
under Fill, and is sliced into four slices: Brian $1,100,
empty area of a Dave $650, Kelly $500, and
To continue with thisData
Format tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
choose To gofor
a gray to the previous sheet, press
slice, butCTRL+PAGE
don't UP.
Series. the Color option. select a data label.

Then, in the You'll know you've

Format Data selected a slice
Series pane, click when three
the Fill Icon: handles appear on
the corners of the
slice.

April 2019 Sales

Sally
$200

Kelly
$500
Brian
$1,100

Dave
$650

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
e-emphasize
ta Series pane, click the Paint slices
bucket icon.

ou'll know you've selected a slice when three handles appear on the corners of the slice.
the Fill icon,4and then
t a slice. Right-click the
e,click
clickan change the Color option to an orange, green, or some color that stands out.
selected slice, and
1,100,
a of a Dave $650, Kelly $500, andFormat
choose Sally $200. Each slice is color coded to emphasize and de-emphasize the slices.
TRL+PAGE UP.
don't Data Point. In the
ata label. Format Data
Point pane, click
w you've the Fill icon, and
slice then change the
e Color option to an
ppear on orange, green, or
s of the some color that
stands out.

Next
Here's another tip: Consider creating a doughnut chart. Why? Some people find the arcs of a doughnut easier to compare than
Here's
A picture another
of a pie chart slicedtip: Consider
into four slices: $1,100,creating a doughnut
$650, $500, and $200. chart. Why? Some peop
A picture of a doughnut chart sliced into four slices: $1,100, $650, $500,
the arcs of a doughnut easier to compare than the slices of a pie chart. and $200.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

Pie chart Doughnut chart

$200 $200

$500
$500
$1,100
$1,100

$650
$650

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
doughnut easier to compare than the slices of a pie chart.
rt. Why? Some people find
ces of a pie chart.
TRL+PAGE UP.

Doughnut chart

$200

$500
$1,100

$650

Next
Practice making a doughnut chart
Practice making a donut chart
1. Click inside the data below. Then on the Insert tab (ALT+N), click the Pie button (Q), and then select the Doughnut option.
2. Move the chart if you need to. Then right-click any arc, and choose Format Data Series. For Doughnut Hole Size, type in 50%
3. Now right-click any arc, and choose Add Data Labels. Then right-click an arc and choose Format Data Labels. Select the Cate
1 made
4. We
Click inside the
thebelow
total circle 2 Move for do: Right-click3it andarc,
the chart if Now right-click any
data Thenbelow. Now something
you needyou to.to
Then choose
and Bring
chooseto Front (ALT+P+AF). Then dra
Cells B17 through C21 contains
on the Insert tab, Data. The Data is titled: April 2019
right-click any arc, Sales. There are
Add Data Labels.Brian $1,100, Dave $650
four rows of data:
A picture of a yellow
click total circle with a description
the Pie inside: Total: $2,450
and choose Then right-click an
button, and then Format Data
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, arc press
and choose
CTRL+PAGE UP.
click the Series. For Format Data
Doughnut option: Doughnut Hole Labels. Select the
Size, type in 50%. Category Name
checkbox. For
Separator,
choose (New
Line). Delete the
legend.

April 2019 Sales

Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200

Previous
 My 2019 Expenses
Housing $2,500
Transportation $1,200
Food $800
Clothing $200
 en select the Doughnut option.
r Doughnut Hole Size, type in 50%.
rmat Data Labels. Select the Category Name checkbox. For Separator, choose (New Line). Delete the legend.
click any 4 We
ing to Front (ALT+P+AF).
made the total
Then drag it inside the doughnut chart.
hoose circle below. Now
of data: Brian $1,100, Dave
Labels. $650, Kelly
something for$500,
you and Sally $200.
-click an to do: Right-click it
oose
TRL+PAGE UP. and choose Bring
ata to Front. Then
elect the drag it inside the
Name donut chart.
For
r,
ew Total:
ete the $2,450

Next
Sometimes, pie charts can have problems. Here are just a few examples. In the next few sheets, we'll explain these problems a
Sometimes,
A picture pie
of a color coded charts
3D pie can
chart. This have
pie chart problems.
is sliced Here
into four slices: areKelly,
Brian, Dave, justandaSally.
few examples.
A picture of a color coded pie chart sliced into fourteen slices.
the next few sheets, we'll explain these problems and how to solve them
A list of the fourteen titled sections are below the pie chart: North campus B2B Joe, North campus B2B Moe, North campus B
A picture of a color coded pie chart sliced into nine slices: Joe $2,200, Ely $800, Moe $600, Jill $500, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Sal;
Tim $20 Zane; $200 G
; 0
$20
Sally North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Ely 0
North campus B2B Moe North campus B2C Jill Ja-
Kelly Brian son;
North campus B2C Mindy North campus B2C Jason
$30
South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal 0 J
South campus B2B Zane South campus B2C Greg Jill; $500
Dave South campus B2C Jeff South campus B2C Mike
East campus B2B Lars East campus B2B Abby
Mo Ely; $800
East campus B2B Carly East campus B2C Daren e;
East campus B2C Karl East campus B2C Joseph $60
West campus B2B Dave West campus B2B Hal 0
West campus B2B Oliver West campus B2C Phil
West campus B2C Quinn West campus B2C Coco

Previous
Data for 3D chart Data for many slices Hierarchical data

April 2019 Sales May 2020 Sales Campus Type Office

Brian 800 Joe $2,200 North cam B2B Joe
Dave 700 Ely $800 Ely
Kelly 500 Moe $600 Moe
Sally 200 Jill $500 B2C Jill
Jason $300 Mindy
Tim $200 Jason
Sal $200 South cam B2B Tim
Zane $200 Sal
Greg $100 Zane
B2C Greg
Jeff
Mike
East campuB2B Lars
Abby
Carly
B2C Daren
Karl
Joseph
West campB2B Dave
Hal
Oliver
B2C Phil
Quinn
Coco
we'll explain these problems and how to solve them.
a few examples. In
ow to solve them.
s B2B Moe, North campus B2C Mindy, South campus B2B Tim, South campus B2B Zane, South campus B2C Jeff, East campus B2B Lars, Nor
0, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.

Sal;
Tim $20 Zane; $200 Greg; $100
; 0
$20
0
Ja-
son;
$30
0 Joe; $2,200
Jill; $500

Mo Ely; $800
e;
$60
0

Next
Sales
300
200
400
100
300
500
600
400
200
400
200
600
1000
300
200
400
100
600
600
100
1000
200
900
600
ff, East campus B2B Lars, North campus B2B Ely, North campus B2C Jill, North campus B2C Jason, South campus B2B Sal, South campus B2
us B2B Sal, South campus B2C Greg, South campus B2C Mike, East campus B2B Abby.
First problem to be aware of: 3D pie charts can distort slices, making the front slices look larger than they really are. In genera
First problem to be aware of: 3D pie charts can distort slices, making the
A picture of a 3D, color coded pie chart sliced into four slices: Joy, Ivy, Dan, and Ben.
An slices look
arrow pointing larger
towards than
the pie they
chart has really
a label are.
that says, "Ivy's In
slicegeneral, we
looks pretty big. don't
Is she recommend
truly the leader in sales? Or us
do
3D pie
A picture charts.
of a 3D, color coded pie chart sliced into four slices: Joy, Ivy, Dan, and Ben.
However, this pie chart has added data labels: Joy $800, Ivy $700, Dan $500, and Ben $200. These labels show that Joy's slice i
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Ben
Ben $200
Joy Joy
Dan Dan $800
$500

Ivy
Ivy $700

Ivy's slice looks pretty big. Is she ... When you add data labels, Joy'
truly the leader in sales? Or does slice is truly the largest. Use 2D
her slice just look like the charts and you'll avoid the
biggest? ... distortion problem.

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Joy $800
Ivy $700
Dan $500
Ben $200
han they really are. In general, we don't recommend using 3D pie charts.
ices, making the front
n't recommend
uly the leader in sales? Or using
does her slice just look like the biggest?..."

e labels show that Joy's slice is truly the largest. If you use 2D pie charts, you can avoid the distortion problem.

Joy
$800

Ivy
$700

ou add data labels, Joy's

uly the largest. Use 2D
and you'll avoid the
tortion problem.

Next
Too many slices is a common problem with pie charts. If you're ever in this situation, consider changing to another chart like a
Too of
A picture many slices
a pie chart is a2020
titled: May common problem
Sales. This pie chart is color with pie
coded and charts.
sliced If you're
into ten slices: ever
Joe $2,200, in Moe
Ely $800, th
An situation,
arrow pointing towards a pie chart that says, "Problem: This pie chart
consider changing to another chart like a column chart. has many slices, and it's hard to compare them." The
A picture of a column chart titled: May 2020 Sales. The column chart has ten columns: Joe $2,200, Ely $800, Moe $600, Jill $50
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Problem: This pie chart has many
Solution: Use a column chart,
slices, and it's hard to compare
comparing the values is much ea
them.

May 2020 Sales May 2020 Sales

Zane Greg Joe
Sal $200 $100 $2,200
$200
Tim
$200
Jason
$300
Mindy Joe
$300 $2,200
Jill
$500 Ely
$800 Moe
Moe Jill
$600 $600
Ely $500 Mindy Jason
$800 $300 $300 Tim Sal Z
$200 $200 $

Previous
 May 2020 Sales
Joe $2,200
Ely $800
Moe $600
Jill $500
Mindy $300
Jason $300
Tim $200
Sal $200
Zane $200
Greg $100
nging to another chart like a column chart.
you're
es: ever
Joe $2,200, in Moe
Ely $800, this$600, Jill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.
hard to
mn compare them." The slices are labeled, however, the labels and the slices are too close together which makes it hard to compare t
chart.
Ely $800, Moe $600, Jill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100. An arrow pointing towards the column

n: Use a column chart, and

g the values is much easier.

ay 2020 Sales

Mindy Jason
$300 $300 Tim Sal Zane
$200 $200 $200 Greg
$100

Next
h makes it hard to compare the data.
pointing towards the column chart has a label that says, "Solution: Use a column chart, and comparing the values is much easier."
ues is much easier."
Practice changing from a pie chart, to a column chart.
Practice changing from a pie chart, to a column chart
1. Click the border of the chart below to select it. Then select the Chart Design tab at the top of the window (ALT+JC), select Ch
2. Select Column on the left list menu, and then confirm selection by selecting OK or pressing the enter key.
3. This column chart works pretty well, but we don't need the vertical and horizontal axes, since we already have data labels o
1 the
4. Select
Click the border of 2 SelecttabColumn on 3 This column chart
thepie chart,
chart and go
below toto the Chart Design
the left, (ALT+JC).
and thenToggle vertical axis with the
works command
pretty well, (A+X+V) and (A+X+H) to
A picture of a pie chart titled:
select it. Then on May 2020 Sales. The pie
click OK. chart is color coded and is sliced into ten slices: Joe $2,200, Ely $800, M
but we don't need
However, the
thereChart
are tooDesign
many slices. The labels and the slices are too close together
thewhich makes
vertical andit hard to compare the data.
tab at the top of horizontal axes,
the window, click since we already
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Change Chart have data labels
Type. on the columns...

May 2020 Sales

Zane Greg
Sal
Tim $200 $200 $100
$200
Jason
$300
Mindy
$300 Joe
$2,200
Jill
$500
Moe
$600
Ely
$800

Previous
 May 2020 Sales
Joe $2,200
Ely $800
Moe $600
Jill $500
Mindy $300
Jason $300
Tim $200
Sal $200
Zane $200
Greg $100
 column chart
of the window (ALT+JC), select Change Chart Type (C).
g the enter key.
nce we already have data labels on the columns…
mn chart
command 4 Right-click the
ty well, (A+X+V) and (A+X+H) to toggle the horizontal axis.
vertical axis on the
en need
n't slices: Joe $2,200, Elyleft.
$800, Moe
(It's $600,
the oneJill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.
alakes
andit hard to compare that
the data.
on the very
axes, left that starts with
lready $2,500 at the top
TRL+PAGE UP.
labels and goes down to
umns... $0.) Then click
Delete.

Do the same for

the horizontal axis
as well.

Next
Another problem: Pie slices are too similar. When this happens, people might start looking around the room wondering, "Wha
Another
A pie chart titled: problem:
June 2020 Sales.Pie slices
This pie chart isare
color too
coded similar. When
and is sliced into thisMoe,
five slices: happens,
Mind, Jill, Joe,people
and Ely. m
An start
arrow pointing
looking towards the pie chart
around thehas room
a label that says, "Problem: these
wondering, slices are the
"What's so similar,
keyit'stakeaway
hard to identify anythin
here
A bar chart titled: June 2020 Sales. The bar chart has five bars: Ely $400, Joe $450, Jill $500, Mindy $550, and Moe, $600.
An arrow pointing towards the bar chart has a label that says, "Solution: Change the pie chart to another chart like a bar chart
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Problem: These slices are so Solution: Change the pie to
similar, it's hard to identify another chart like a bar chart.
anything useful. For example: That way you can see who's in the
Who's the leading sales rep? lead now: Moe!

June 2020 Sales June 2020 Sales

Ely Ely $400

Moe
Joe $450

Joe Jill $500

Mindy Mindy $550

Jill Moe

Previous
 June 2020 Sales
Moe $600
Mindy $550
Jill $500
Joe $450
Ely $400
d the room wondering, "What's the key takeaway here?"
ppens,
Mind, Jill, Joe,people
and Ely. might
, it'stakeaway
ey hard to identify anything
here?" useful. For example: Who's the leading sales rep?"
$550, and Moe, $600.
nother chart like a bar chart. That way you can see who's in the lead now: Moe!"

Change the pie to

art like a bar chart.
u can see who's in the
d now: Moe!

e 2020 Sales

$400

$450

$500

$550

$600

Next
Practice changing from a pie chart, to a bar chart
Practice changing from a pie chart, to a bar chart
1. Select the chart below. Then on the Chart Design tab (ALT+JC), selet Change Chart Type (A).
2. Select Bar chart from the menu list, and select ok or use the enter key to confirm.
3. This bar needs some clean up. With the bar graph selected, go to Chart Design (ALT+JC) and toggle data labels (A+D+N).
1 toggle
4. Now
Click the border of
axis on the2
Select Bar on the 3 This bar needs
the the horizontal
chart below to bottom
left,ofand
the chart
then (ALT+JC,
click then A+X+H). (Theclean
some horizontal
up. axis is the one that starts w
A picture of a color coded pie
select it. Then on chart titled: June
OK.2020 Sales. This pie chart is color coded
Right-click one ofinto five slices: Moe, Mind
and is sliced
To continue with
the this tutorial,
Chart Designpress CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, the press
bars,CTRL+PAGE
and UP.
tab at the top of select Format
the window, click Data Labels. Now
Change Chart select the Value
Type. checkbox. Then
uncheck the
Category Name
checkbox.

June 2020 Sales

Ely
Moe

Joe

Mindy

Jill

Previous
 June 2020 Sales
Moe $600
Mindy $550
Jill $500
Joe $450
Ely $400
 bar chart
d toggle data labels (A+D+N).
eeds
zontal 4 Now right-click
n up. axis is the one that starts with 0 and ends with 700).
the horizontal axis
sone
sliced
ofinto five slices: Moe, Mindy,
on the Jill, Joe, and Ely.
bottom
TRL+PAGE UP.
and and click Delete.
mat (The horizontal
els. Now axis is the one
Value that starts with 0
Then and ends with
he
700.
Name

Next
Here's another issue: Pie chart overload. Multiple pies on the same sheet can work okay, but it's pretty difficult for some peop
Here's another issue: Pie chart overload. Multiple pies on the same sheet
Cells B12 through E15 contains Data. The data has three columns: 2018, 2019, and 2020. The data also has three rows: Roses,
workof okay,
A picture a pie chartbut
titled:it's
2018.pretty difficult
The pie chart forthree
is sliced into some people
slices: Tulips to compare
60%, Irises 33%, and Rosesall
7%. the pies
slices.
A picture of a pie chart titled: 2019. The pie chart is sliced into three slices: Tulips 32%, Irises 42%, and Roses 25%.
A picture of a pie chart titled: 2020. The pie chart is sliced into three slices: Tulips 27%, Irises 20%, and Roses 54%.
An arrow pointing toward the three different pie charts has a label that says, "…and
...and wewe madethree
made three pie
piecharts,
charts,thatthat
visualize
visua e
To continue withIn this
thistutorial,
data, we presshave
CTRL+PAGE
three DOWN.
value To go to the previousyear. sheet, press
But it's CTRL+PAGE
hard UP. each and eve
to compare
columns.... better choice is to use a column chart, wh
explain on the next sheet...

2018 2019 2020

Roses 7% 25% 54% 2018 2019
Tulips 60% 32% 27%
7%
Irises 33% 42% 20%
42% 25%
33%
60% 32%

Roses Tulips Roses Tulips

Irises Irises

Previous
 etty difficult for some people to compare all the pies and slices.
the same sheet can
also has three rows: Roses, Tulips, and Irises.
mpare
and Rosesall 7%. the pies and
and Roses 25%.
and Roses 54%.
e pie
e piecharts,
charts, thatthat
visualize each year.
visualize each But it's hard to compare each and every slice. A better choice is to use a column chart, which we'll ex
compare each and every slice. A
se a column chart, which we'll
on the next sheet...

2019 2020

2% 25% 20%

32% 27% 54%

oses Tulips Roses Tulips

ises Irises

Next
column chart, which we'll explain on the next sheet..."
Practice using a 100% Stacked Column Chart
Practice using a 100% Stacked Column Chart
1. Select any cell inside the data below (B14:E16), and then on the Insert tab (ALT+N), select the insert column or bar chart op
2.Then under 2D Column, select stacked column.
3. Move the chart into a better position if you need to. Then, with the bar graph selected, go to Chart Design (ALT+JC) and tog
4. To1set the 2 (ALT+JC), chart element (A),3 4above chart. N
Click anywhere Then under 2D Move the chart
chartthe
inside title, go to Chart Design
data Column,addselect Chartinto
title a(C), and select (A) for title
better
Cells B13 through
below, andE16 contains
then ondata. The datathis
hasicon:
three columns: 2018, 2019, and 2020. The
position sata also has three rows: Roses, T
if you
To continuethewith this tutorial,
Insert tab, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, need press
to. CTRL+PAGE
Then, UP.
click this button: right-click one of
the gray colors
and click Add
Data Labels.

Repeat that for the

2018 2019 2020 other colors.
Roses 7% 25% 54%
Tulips 60% 32% 27%
Irises 33% 42% 20%

Previous
 2019 Sales
Jo $310
Bill $305
Cyril $302
Tim $300
Frank $299
Emma $290
Jeff $286
Eli $268
Kim $260
art
nsert column or bar chart option (C1).

hart Design (ALT+JC) and toggle data labels (A+D+N).

4above
ect (A) for title
Click Chart Title,
chart. Now you are focused on the title cell and can type, Flower Sales.
and then delete
also has three rows:
the text Tulips,
Roses, in theand
titleIrises.
and type, Flower
Sales.

Next
Another problem: You have hierarchical data. A pie chart can try to visualize this, but it will stay firm to its roots, and only use
Another problem: You have hierarchical data. A pie chart can try to visual
Cells B12 through E36 contains data. The data has four columns: Campus, Type, Rep, and Week 1 Sales. The data also has 25 r
this,
There but it
is a bracket will cells
grouping stay B12firm
throughtoD12its
thatroots, and
says, "In this use
data, onlylikeone
it's almost column
we have of categorie
three category columns…"
one
There column
is a bracket of cell
grouping values.
E12 with a label that says, "...and one value column."
A picture of a color coded pie chart titled: Week 1 Sales. This pie chart is sliced into twenty-four slices. The labels for all the slic
An arrow pointing towards the picture of the pie chart has a label that says, "Exceltries
Excel tries to
to make
makea pie chart
a pie with with
chart this data,
thisbut
da
In this data, it's almost ...and one
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
that's a lot of slices and an enormous lege
like we have three value
the next sheet, you'll see how a sunburst
category columns... column.
works better for this data.

Campus Type Rep Week 1 Sales

North campus B2B Joe $30 Week 1 Sales
Eli $20
Moe $40
B2C Jan $30
Jim $30
Jay $50
South campus B2B Tim $60
Sal $40
Zed $20
B2C Guy $40
Zeb $20
Cat $60
East campus B2B Taj $100
Liv $30
Lex $20
B2C Abe $40
Les $30
Ann $60 North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Eli North cam
West campus B2B Ivy $60 North campus B2C Jan North campus B2C Jim North cam
Hal $30 South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal South cam
Joy $100 South campus B2C Guy South campus B2C Zeb South cam
B2C Liz $30 East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv East camp
East campus B2C Abe East campus B2C Les East camp
Tia $120 West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal West camp
Zoe $60 West campus B2C Liz West campus B2C Tia West camp

Previous
 trm to its roots, and only use one column of categories and one column of values.
can try to visualize
Sales. The data also has 25 rows, labeled with different sections.
olumn of categories
three category columns…" and

lices. The labels for all the slices are listed below the pie chart.
e pie
a chart
a pie with with
chart this data,
thisbut that's
data, buta lot of slices and an enormous legend! On the next sheet, you'll see how a sunburst chart works bette
s and an enormous legend! On
ou'll see how a sunburst chart
better for this data.

Week 1 Sales

orth campus B2B Eli North campus B2B Moe

orth campus B2C Jim North campus B2C Jay
uth campus B2B Sal South campus B2B Zed
uth campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
st campus B2B Liv East campus B2B Lex
st campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
est campus B2B Hal West campus B2B Joy
est campus B2C Tia West campus B2C Zoe

Next
a sunburst chart works better for this data."
A sunburst chart can visualize hierarchical data. It's like the outside ring is a doughnut chart with different sized arcs, and the i
A sunburst chart can visualize hierarchical data. It's like the outside ring i
Cells B12 through E36 contains data. The data has four columns: Campus, Type, Rep, and Week 1 Sales. The data also has 25 r
donut
A bracket chart
grouping cellswith different
B12 through D12 has asized
label thatarcs, and
says, "This thechart
sunburst inner rings
uses these visualize
three the
columns for the three inn
underlying
A bracket grouping cellhierarchy.
E12 has a label that says, "...and uses this column for the outer ring."
A picture of a doughnut chart titled: Week 1 Sales. The doughnut chart is color coded and has sliced arcs with the data labeled
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To uses Here's
go to the previous sheet, press an example
CTRL+PAGE UP.of how to read th
...and
This sunburst chart uses chart:
this column
these three columns for "In the West campus, of all B2C sale
for the outer
the three inner rings... Tia is the biggest seller followed by Z
ring.
and Liz."

Campus Type Rep Week 1 Sales This chart isn't available in your version of Excel.
North campus B2B Joe $30
Editing this shape or saving this workbook into a differe
Eli $20 format will permanently break the chart.
Moe $40
B2C Jan $30
Jim $30
Jay $50
South campus B2B Tim $60
Sal $40
Zed $20
B2C Guy $40
Zeb $20
Cat $60
East campus B2B Taj $100
Liv $30
Lex $20
B2C Abe $40
Les $30
Ann $60
West campus B2B Ivy $60
Hal $30
Joy $100
B2C Liz $30
Tia $120
Zoe $60

Previous
 different sized arcs, and the inner rings visualize the underlying hierarchy.
the outside ring is a
Sales. The data also has 25 rows, labeled with different sections.
sreevisualize the
columns for the three inner rings…"

ed arcs with the data labeled inside. An arrow pointing towards the doughnut chart has a label that says, "Here's an example of how to re
ample of how to read this
chart:
campus, of all B2C sales,
gest seller followed by Zoe
and Liz."

n your version of Excel.

g this workbook into a different file

reak the chart.

Next
re's an example of how to read this chart: "In the West campus, of all B2C sales, Tia is the biggest seller follow by Zoe and Liz.""
by Zoe and Liz.""
Practice changing from a pie chart, to a sunburst chart
Practice changing from a pie chart, to a sunburst chart
1. Select the pie chart below. Then on the Chart Design tab (ALT+C), select Change Chart Type (C).
2. On the left menu list select Sunburst, and select ok or press the enter key to confirm. When the chart has changed, select th
3. To format data labels we need to go back to the add chart element option (ALT+JC+A). Then (D+M) for more data label opti
1stepClick
4. Do
the border of
1 again, but this time change2
On the left, click
to theSunburst,
Treemap chart. 3 Now right-click any
the pie chart below and Now each campus data has a label,
color, and
andthe boxes represent the sale
Cells B13 through E37 contains
to select it. Then data. The data has four columns:
then OK. When the Campus, Type, Rep,
click Format 1Data
and Week Sales. The data also has 25 r
A picture of
ona the
colorChart
coded pie chart titled: Week 1 Sales.
chart This pie chart is sliced into
has changed, twenty-four
Labels. Then,slices. The labels for all the slic
Design tab at the right-click any arc, select both
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE the UP.
top of the window, and choose Add Category Name
click Change Data Labels. and
Chart Type. Value
checkbox.

Campus Type Rep Week 1 Sales

North campus B2B Joe $30 Week 1 Sales
Eli $20
Moe $40
B2C Jan $30
Jim $30
Jay $50
South campus B2B Tim $60
Sal $40
Zed $20
B2C Guy $40
Zeb $20
Cat $60
East campus B2B Taj $100
Liv $30
Lex $20
B2C Abe $40
Les $30
Ann $60
West campus B2B Ivy $60 North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Eli North campu
North campus B2C Jan North campus B2C Jim North campu
Hal $30
South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal South campu
Joy $100 South campus B2C Guy South campus B2C Zeb South campu
B2C Liz $30 East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv East campus
Tia $120 East campus B2C Abe East campus B2C Les East campus
Zoe $60 West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal West campu
West campus B2C Liz West campus B2C Tia West campu

Previous
sunburst chart
the chart has changed, select the chart, and toggle Data Labels (ALT+JC, then A+D).
n (D+M) for more data label options. Select both the Category Name and Value checkbox.
4 Dothestep
and the boxes represent
1 again,
sales for each rep.
but this time
ek 1 Sales. The data alsochange
has 25 rows, labeled with different sections.
to the
ur slices. The labels for all the sliceschart.
Treemap are listed below the pie chart.
RL+PAGE UP. Now you can see
that each campus
has a color, and
the boxes
represent the sales
for each rep.

Week 1 Sales

North campus B2B Eli North campus B2B Moe

North campus B2C Jim North campus B2C Jay
South campus B2B Sal South campus B2B Zed
South campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
East campus B2B Liv East campus B2B Lex
East campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
West campus B2B Hal West campus B2B Joy
West campus B2C Tia West campus B2C Zoe

Next
One last thing before you go: Sometimes you might have data that isn't summarized yet. In these cases, you need to create a s
One
Cells last thing
B12 through before
D21 contains you
data. There arego:
three Sometimes
columns: Month, Rep, you and might
Sales. Therehave
are ninedata that
rows the isn't
contains s
the da
An yet.
arrow pointing towards cells B12 through D21 has a label that says, "This
In these cases, you need to create a special kind of chart: A PivotCha data is not summarized yet. We really need each
A picture of a color coded pie chart titled: Total. The pie chart is sliced into three slices: Eric 120, Joe 135, and Milly 70.
An arrow is pointing towards the pie chart with a label that says, "...To do that, we made a PivotChart. But how did it summari
Cells K12 through
This dataL16 contains
is not data. The data
summarized yet.has two columns: Row Labels (with a drop down menu) and Sum of Sales. The d
An arrowWepointing
reallytowards the data
need each has sales
rep's a label that says,...To
"Withdoevery
that,PivotChart,
we made comes a PIvotTable,But
a PivotChart. which sums up the sale
To continue with this tutorial,
summed up, andpresseachCTRL+PAGE
sum DOWN. To howgo did
to the
it previous
summarize sheet,each
press rep's
CTRL+PAGE
sales?UP.
represented in a pie chart...

Month Rep Sales

Jan Joe $60 Total
Jan Eric $20
Jan Milly $30
Feb Joe $15 $120
Eric
Feb Eric $50 Joe
Feb Milly $30 Milly
$325
Mar Joe $60 Total Result
$135
Mar Eric $50
Mar Milly $10
$70

Previous
 e cases, you need to create a special kind of chart: A PivotChart.
ve ninedata that
rows the isn't
contains summarized
the data information.
fized yet. We A
chart: really need each rep's sales summed up, and each sum represented in a pie chart... "
PivotChart.
Joe 135, and Milly 70.
Chart. But how did it summarize each rep's sales? "
menu) and Sum of Sales. Theevery
With data also has five rows that consists of the names: Eric, Joe, Milly, and a Gran Total of the Sum of Sales.
PivotChart,
Table, which sums up
art. But the sales
comes for each rep."which
a PIvotTable,
sales? sums up the sales for each
rep.

Rep Sum of Sales

Eric $120
Joe $135
Milly $70
Eric
Total Result $325
Joe
Milly
Total Result

Next
Total of the Sum of Sales.
Practice creating a PivotChart
Practice creating a PivotChart
1. Select any cell in the data below (B18:D27), and then on the Insert tab (ALT+N), select PivotChart (SZ+C).
2. In the Create PivotChart dialog box, select Existing Worksheet, and in the Location box, type F18. Select ok press the enter
3. In the PivotTable Fields pan, select the checkbox items for Rep and Sales. Then move the chart into a better position.
1 the
4. Select Then go to the2
Click anywhere in In the Create 3 TypeIn the PivotTable
thepivot
datachart.
below, Design tab (ALT+JC),dialog
PivotChart select Change Chart Fields(C),pane
and choose
on thethe 2D pie chart option
When the andpie chart appears,
then on the select the chart again and toggle
box, click ExistingData Labels (ALT+JC, then A+D).
right, click the
Cells B18 through
Insert D27
tab,contains
click data. The dataWorksheet,
has three columns:
and inMonth, rep, and Sales. The data
checkboxes for also has ten rows that cons
PivotChart. the Location box, Rep and Sales.
type F18. Click Then move the
OK. chart into a better
position.

Month Rep Sales

Jan Joe $60
Jan Eric $20
Jan Milly $30
Feb Joe $15
Feb Eric $50
Feb Milly $30
Mar Joe $60
Mar Eric $50
Mar Milly $10

Previous
 tChart (SZ+C).
pe F18. Select ok press the enter key to confirm.
hart into a better position.
otTable
nd 4 Click the border of
nechoose
on thethe 2D pie chart option.
the chart to select
k the it. Then at the top
eesdata
for also has ten rows that consists
of the of the data information.
window,
Sales. click the Design
e the tab. Then click
a better Change Chart
Type and choose
the 2D pie chart
option. Click OK.

When the pie chart

appears, right click
one of the slices
and choose Add
Data Labels.

Next
You made some great pies! Good job.
Now check out these other links to help make you even more productive:
Learn more: Take a look at this article for more details on creating a pie chart.
Try this shortcut: You can automatically create charts with this feature.
You made some great pies! Good job.
Videos: Learn by watching. These videos guide you through it all.
Community: Ask questions and connect with other Excel fans

Now check out these other pages to make you even more productive:

Learn more Try this Videos Community

Take a look at shortcut Learn by Ask questions
this article for You can watching. and connect with
more details on automatically These videos other Excel fans.
creating a pie create charts guide you
chart. with the through it all.
Analyze Data
feature on the
Home tab.
Learn more Learn more Learn more Learn more

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