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

Going beyond pie charts

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.

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.

Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To start the tour, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
First thing's first: When should you use a pie chart? When you need to show parts (slices) that make up a whole.
First ofthing's
A picture first:
a pie chart When
titled: should
April 2019 you
Sales. The pie use
chart isasliced
pie into
chart? When
four slices: Brianyou need
$1,100, Daveto show
$650, Kelly, parts (slices)
$500, and Sally $200.
EXPERT
thatTIP:
makeThis pie chart
up has only four slices. This is ideal because it gives you quick idea of how much each sales rep contributed to sales in April 2019.
a whole.
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
four slices. This is ideal
Sally
because it gives you a
$200
quick idea of how much
Kelly
each sales rep
$500 Brian contributed to sales in
$1,100 April 2019.

If you end up with more

Dave than four slices, another
$650 chart is probably best.
(More on that later.)

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Salesperson April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
Before you create a pie chart, make sure your data is set up correctly: Create one column of categories, and one column of values.
Before
Cells you
B9 through C12create
contains a pieThere
Data. chart, make
are two sure
columns: your data
Categories is set
and Values. Theup correctly:
Categories columnCreate one
contains the column
values of Kelly, and Sally. The Values column c
Brian, Dave,
A picture of a pie chart
categories, and sliced
oneintocolumn
four slices:of
Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
values.
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!
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Categories Values IMPORTANT DETAIL
Notice how the number of
Sally categories determines how
Brian $1,100 $200 many slices end up in the
Dave $650 pie chart.
Kelly $500 Kelly
$500 Brian
Sally $200 Also notice how Excel
$1,100
automatically calculates
the percentages of each
value behind the scenes. It
Dave
$650 then sizes the slices for
you. No need for you to
write any formulas!

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ly, and Sally. The Values column contains the values $1,100, $650, $500, and $200.

u to write any formulas!

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 descriptive.
Another
Cells B12 throughthing to do Data.
C16 contains beforehand:
The Data has Type a title
a descriptive title:above the
April 2019 values. This will end up as the title of
Sales.
A picture of a pie chart that has a descriptive
the pie chart itself, so make it descriptive.title: April 2019 Sales. The pie chart is sliced into four slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

... so that the chart will end up

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

April 2019 Sales

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

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One last thing to do before creating a chart: Sort the values from largest to smallest. This will make the slices easily readable in a clockwise direction.
One
Cells last thing
B13 through to dodata.
C16 contains before creating
The data a chart:
is titled: April Sort
2019 Sales. thearevalues
There from
four rows: Brian largest to $650,
$1,100, Dave smallest. This
Kelly $500, and Sally $200. An arrow pointing towards the
A picture of a pie the
will make chart slices
titled: April 2019 Sales.
easily The pie chart
readable in aisclockwise
sliced into fourdirection.
slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200. An arrow pointing towards the pie char
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 ... and the largest slice will start
$200
largest to smallest... at the "12 o'clock" position. Then
the rest of the slices will follow
April 2019 Sales in a clockwise direction.
Brian $1,100 Kelly
Brian
Dave $650 $500
$1,100
Kelly $500
Sally $200 Dave
$650

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row pointing towards the data has a label that says, "This column is sorted from largest to smallest..."
ting towards the pie chart has a label that says, "...the largest slice will start at the "12 o'clock" position, and the rest of the slices will follow in a clockwise direction."
Practice
1.Practice
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 option.
1 the
4. Move
In cell C11, type a
pie to a better
descriptive position, and2thenthe
title like at the the window, click3the Chart
Now right-click any of
top ofand
numbers Design tab
with numbers. (ALT+JC). Then4click Change
Select one of the cells
Then
Move the pie to a
Colors (H)
better position, andto pick a different set of colors for the c
"April 2019
Cells B12 through C15Sales."
contains Data. The Datachoose Sort
has four > Sort
rows: on Brian
Kelly $500, Dave $650, the Insert tab,and
$1,100, clickSally $200. then at the top of the
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE Largest
DOWN. to To
Smallest. thepress
go to the previous sheet, Pie button:
CTRL+PAGE UP. window, click the
Chart Design tab.
Then click Change
Colors to pick a
different set of colors
And then the first 2D for the chart.
pie option:
Kelly $500
Dave $650
Brian $1,100
Sally $200

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erent set of colors for the chart.
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 labels. Read how to do this under "Try this", below
You of
A picture made a pie
a pie chart chart,
titled: that's
April 2019 Sales.great!
The pie But
chart we can
is sliced intomake it even
four slices. better.
Below the One
pie chart waynames:
lists four to do that
Brian, is to
Dave, Kelly, and Sally.
TRYdirectly
THIS: Right-click
labelany theslice, and choose
slices usingAdddata
Data Labels (ALT+JC+D).
labels. ReadNow how youto cando
seethis
the exact
undervalues for each
"Try slice.below.
this,"
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

TRY THIS
April 2019 Sales Right-click any
slice, and choose
Add Data Labels.
Now you can see
the exact values
for each slice.

Brian Dave Kelly Sally

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this under "Try this", below.
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
Let's make the data labels even better. Data labels can show values, as shown below. But they can also show each category, which makes a legend unnecessary.
Let'sofmake
A picture thetitled:
a pie chart data labels
April even
2019 Sales. Thebetter.
pie chart isData labels
sliced into can $1,100,
four slices: show$650,
values, as $200.
$500, and shown below.
Below Butlists four names: Brian, Dave, Kelly, and S
the pie chart
TRYthey
THIS: Right-click
can also a slice
show and choose
eachFormat Data Labels.
category. Give In the
it apane
shotthatyourself
appears, select
by the Category name
following checkbox.below.
the steps And below that, set the Separator to (New line). Now
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

TRY THIS
April 2019 Sales Right-click a slice and
choose Format Data
Labels.
$200
In the pane that appears,
$500 select the Category name
$1,100 checkbox. And below that,
set the Separator to (New
line).
$650
Now right-click the legend
and delete it, since it's not
needed anymore.
Brian Dave Kelly Sally

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es: Brian, Dave, Kelly, and Sally.
arator to (New line). Now right-click the legend and delete it, since it's not needed anymore.
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
Data labels can also show percentages. This is handy when you already know the total, and you just need to see the percentage for each slice. Try it out below!
Dataoflabels
A picture can
a pie chart also
titled: Aprilshow percentages.
2019 Sales. Thisinto
The pie chart is sliced is handy
four slices:when you Dave
Brian $1,100, already know
$650, Kelly the
$500, andtotal, and
Sally $200.
TRYyou
THIS:just
Right-click a slice and choose Format Data Labels. In the pane that
need to see the percentage for each slice. Try it out yourself... appears, click Percentage. Since adding the percentages makes the labels crowded, go ahead unche
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

TRY THIS
April 2019 Sales Right-click a slice and
choose Format Data
Labels.
Sally
$200 In the pane that appears,
click Percentage.
Kelly
$500 Brian
$1,100 Since adding the
percentages makes the
labels crowded, go ahead
Dave uncheck the Value
$650 checkbox.

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crowded, go ahead uncheck the Value checkbox.
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
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 need the audience to focus on one of the slices.
Here's
A picture of aapietip:
chartUse
titled:color to emphasize
April 2019 and
Sales. The pie chart de-emphasize
is sliced slices.
into four slices: Brian This
$1,100, Daveis useful
$650, when
Kelly $500, andthe
Sallychart
$200. All the slices are de-emphasized by the
To is
continue
on awith this tutorial, press
PowerPoint slide,CTRL+PAGE
and you DOWN. To gothe
need to the previous sheet,
audience to press
focus CTRL+PAGE
on oneUP.of the slices.

April 2019 Sales

Sally
$200

Kelly
$500 Brian
$1,100

Dave
$650

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us on one of the slices.
are de-emphasized by the color gray except for the slice, Dave $650, which is emphasized by the color yellow.
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
Practice using color to emphasize and de-emphasize slices
1.Practice
Right-click one ofusing color
the slices below, to emphasize
and choose Format Data Series. Then, andin thede-emphasize
Format Data Series pane, clickslices the Paint bucket icon.
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 when three handles appear on the corners of the s
1 Right-click
4. Right-click
slices
one of the
thebelow,
selected 2 In
andslice, and choose Format
the Format Data
SeriesDatapane,Point.
underIn the Format3Data do
Now select a slice. To
Point
this,pane,
click click
4 then
the Fill icon, and
an empty
Right-click the
change
selected the and
slice, Color option to an orange, green, or some c
choose
A picture of Format
a pie chart DataApril 2019 Sales.Fill,
titled: Theandpiechoose
chart isasliced into four slices:
area of a$1,100,
Brian slice, but
Dave $650, Kelly $500, choose Format
and Sally Data
$200. Each slice is color coded to emphasize a
To continueSeries.
with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE gray for theTo
DOWN. Color
go to the previous sheet, don't select
press a data UP.
CTRL+PAGE Point. In the Format
option. label. Data Point pane, click
Then, in the Format the Fill icon, and then
Data Series pane, You'll know you've change the Color
click the Fill Icon: selected a slice when option to an orange,
three handles appear green, or some color
on the corners of the that stands out.
slice.

April 2019 Sales

Sally
$200

Kelly
$500 Brian
$1,100

Dave
$650

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ear on the corners of the slice.
n orange, green, or some color that stands out.
color coded to emphasize and de-emphasize the slices.
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
Here's another tip: Consider creating a doughnut chart. Why? Some people find the arcs of a doughnut easier to compare than the slices of a pie chart.
Here's
A picture of aanother tip:into
pie chart sliced Consider
four slices: creating
$1,100, $650,a$500,
doughnut
and $200.chart. Why? Some people find the arcs of a
A picture of a doughnut
doughnut easier chart
tosliced into four than
compare slices: $1,100, $650, $500,
the slices of aand
pie$200.
chart.
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

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 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
Practice making a doughnut chart
1.Practice making
Click inside the data below. Then a donut
on the Insert tabchart
(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 Category Name checkbox. For Separator, choose (New
1 made
4. We
Click inside the data
the Then
below total circle 2 Move
on thebelow. Now something forThen
need to. you to do: Right-click 3
the chart if you
right-
Now right-click any
it and arc,
choose
and Bring
chooseto Add 4 Then
Front (ALT+P+AF).
We made the total
circledrag it inside
below. Now the doughnut chart.
Insert tab,
Cells B17 through C21click the Data. The Dataclick
contains any arc,
is titled: and
April 2019 Sales. There areDatafour Labels. Then Brian $1,100, Dave
rows of data: something for $500,
$650, Kelly you toand Sally $200.
A picture ofPiea button, and then
yellow total choose
circle with a description Format
inside: Data
Total: $2,450 right-click an arc and do: Right-click it and
click the Doughnut Series. For Doughnut choose Format Data choose Bring to
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE
option: DOWN.
Hole To gointo the previous sheet,
Size, type press Select
Labels. CTRL+PAGE
the UP. Front. Then drag it
50%. Category Name inside the donut chart.
checkbox. For
Separator, choose
(New Line). Delete
the legend.
Total:
$2,450

April 2019 Sales

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

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or Separator, choose (New Line). Delete the legend.
 My 2019 Expenses
Housing $2,500
Transportation $1,200
Food $800
Clothing $200
Sometimes, pie charts can have problems. Here are just a few examples. In the next few sheets, we'll explain these problems and how to solve them.
Sometimes,
A picture pie 3D
of a color coded charts can
pie chart. Thishave problems.
pie chart Here
is sliced into four are
slices: just
Brian, a few
Dave, Kelly,examples.
and Sally. In the next few
A picture of a color coded pie chart sliced into fourteen slices.
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 B2C Mindy, South campus B2B Tim, South 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 $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.Tim, Sal, Zane,
$200 $200 $200
Greg,
$100

Sally Jason,
$300
Kelly Brian North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Ely Joe,
North campus B2B Moe North campus B2C Jill Jill,
North campus B2C Mindy North campus B2C Jason $500 $2,200
Dave South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal
South campus B2B Zane South campus B2C Greg
South campus B2C Jeff South campus B2C Mike
Moe, Ely,
East campus B2B Lars East campus B2B Abby
East campus B2B Carly East campus B2C Daren $600 $800
East campus B2C Karl East campus B2C Joseph
West campus B2B Dave West campus B2B Hal
West campus B2B Oliver West campus B2C Phil
West campus B2C Quinn West campus B2C Coco

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ampus B2B Tim, South campus B2B Zane, South campus B2C Jeff, East campus B2B Lars, North campus B2B Ely, North campus B2C Jill, North campus B2C Jason, South campus B2B Sal, South
on, South campus B2B Sal, South campus B2C Greg, South campus B2C Mike, East campus B2B Abby.
Data for 3D chart Data for many slices Hierarchical data

April 2019 Sales May 2020 Sales Campus Type Office Sales
Brian 800 Joe $2,200 North campus
B2B Joe 300
Dave 700 Ely $800 Ely 200
Kelly 500 Moe $600 Moe 400
Sally 200 Jill $500 B2C Jill 100
Jason $300 Mindy 300
Tim $200 Jason 500
Sal $200 South campus
B2B Tim 600
Zane $200 Sal 400
Greg $100 Zane 200
B2C Greg 400
Jeff 200
Mike 600
East campusB2B Lars 1000
Abby 300
Carly 200
B2C Daren 400
Karl 100
Joseph 600
West campus
B2B Dave 600
Hal 100
Oliver 1000
B2C Phil 200
Quinn 900
Coco 600
First problem to be aware of: 3D pie charts can distort slices, making the front slices look larger than they really are. In general, we don't recommend using 3D pie charts.
First ofproblem
A picture a 3D, color to bepie
coded aware of: into
chart sliced 3Dfour
pieslices:
charts can
Joy, Ivy, Dan,distort
and Ben.slices, making the front slices look
An larger
arrow pointing
thantowards the pie chart
they really are.hasIna general,
label that says,
we "Ivy's slice recommend
don't looks pretty big. Is using
she truly3D
the leader in sales? Or does her slice just look like the biggest?..."
pie charts.
A picture 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 is truly the largest. If you use 2D pie charts, you can
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

Ben Ben
$200

Dan Joy Dan Joy

$500 $800

Ivy
Ivy $700

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

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mend using 3D pie charts.

ook like the biggest?..."

. If you use 2D pie charts, you can avoid the distortion problem.
 April 2019 Sales
Joy $800
Ivy $700
Dan $500
Ben $200
Too many slices is a common problem with pie charts. If you're ever in this situation, consider changing to another chart like a column chart.
Too many
A picture slices
of a pie chart isMay
titled: a common problem
2020 Sales. This with
pie chart is colorpie charts.
coded and slicedIfinto
you're ever
ten slices: Joein thisEly
$2,200, situation,
$800, Moe $600, Jill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200
An consider
arrow pointing towards a pietochart
changing that says,chart
another "Problem:
likeThis
a pie chart haschart.
column many slices, and it's hard to compare them." The slices are labeled, however, the labels and the slic
A picture of a column chart titled: May 2020 Sales. The column chart has ten columns: Joe $2,200, Ely $800, Moe $600, Jill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Za
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, and comparing
slices, and it's hard to compare them. the values is much easier.

May 2020 Sales May 2020 Sales

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

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Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.
however, the labels and the slices are too close together which makes it hard to compare the data.
son $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100. An arrow pointing towards the column chart has a label that says, "Solution: Use a column chart, and comparing the values is much eas
omparing the values is much easier."
 May 2020 Sales
Joe $2,200
Ely $800
Moe $600
Jill $500
Mindy $300
Jason $300
Tim $200
Sal $200
Zane $200
Greg $100
Practice changing from a pie chart, to a column chart.
1.Practice
Click the border of changing
the chart below tofrom a pie
select it. Then chart,
select the totab
Chart Design a atcolumn chart
the top of the window (ALT+JC), select Change Chart Type (C).
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 on the columns…
1 the
4. Select
Click the border of the
chartpiebelow
chart,toand
select
2 Design
go to the Chart
Select Column on the
tab then
left, and (ALT+JC).
click Toggle
OK.
3 axisThis
vertical
column chart
with the
works command
pretty
4 Right-click
well, but(A+X+V) and (A+X+H) tothe
axis on
the vertical
toggle
left. the
(It's horizontal axis.
it. a
A picture of Then on thetitled:
pie chart ChartMay 2020 Sales. The pie chart is color coded and is slicedwe don't
intoneed the Joe $2,200, Ely $800,
ten slices: the one
Moethat on the
$600, Jill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $2
However, Design
there are tab at many
too the topslices. The labels and the slices are too close together vertical
whichand horizontal
makes it hard to compare the very left that starts
data.
of the window, click axes, since we with $2,500 at the top
Change Chart Type. already have data and goes down to $0.)
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press
labels onCTRL+PAGE
the UP. Then click Delete.
columns...
Do the same for the
horizontal axis as well.

May 2020 Sales

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

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y $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.
 May 2020 Sales
Joe $2,200
Ely $800
Moe $600
Jill $500
Mindy $300
Jason $300
Tim $200
Sal $200
Zane $200
Greg $100
Another problem: Pie slices are too similar. When this happens, people might start looking around the room wondering, "What's the key takeaway here?"
Another
A pie problem:
chart titled: Pie This
June 2020 Sales. slices areistoo
pie chart colorsimilar.
coded and When this
is sliced into fivehappens, people
slices: Moe, Mind, might
Jill, Joe, start looking
and Ely.
An around
arrow pointing towards the pie chart has a label that says, "Problem:
the room wondering, "What's the key takeaway here?" these slices are so similar, it's hard to identify anything useful. For example: Who's the leading sales rep
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. That way you can see who's in the lead now: Moe
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Problem: These slices are so similar, Solution: Change the pie to another
it's hard to identify anything useful. For chart like a bar chart. That way you can
example: Who's the leading sales rep? see who's in the lead now: Moe!

June 2020 Sales June 2020 Sales

Ely $400
Ely
Moe
Joe $450

Joe Jill $500

Mindy Mindy $550

Jill
Moe $600

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ple: Who's the leading sales rep?"

see who's in the lead now: Moe!"

 June 2020 Sales
Moe $600
Mindy $550
Jill $500
Joe $450
Ely $400
Practice changing from a pie chart, to a bar chart
1.Practice changing
Select the chart below. from
Then on the Chart Designatabpie chart,
(ALT+JC), toChart
selet Change a bar 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 the
chartthe horizontal
below to selectaxis on the2
Select Bar on the left,
bottom
andofthen
the click
chartOK. 3 This
(ALT+JC, then A+X+H).
bar needs some
(The up.
clean horizontal axis is the one4that starts
Right-click
Now right-click the
with 0 and ends with 700).
horizontal axis on
it. a
A picture of Then
coloroncoded
the Chart one ofand
pie chart titled: June 2020 Sales. This pie chart is color coded theisbars, and
sliced into five slices: Moe,
the bottomJill,
Mindy, andJoe, and Ely.
click
To continueDesign tab tutorial,
with this at the toppress CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, select Format
press Data UP.
CTRL+PAGE Delete. (The
of the window, click Labels. Now select
horizontal axis is the
Change Chart Type. the Value checkbox.
one that starts with 0
Then uncheck the
and ends with 700.
Category Name
checkbox.

June 2020 Sales

Ely
Moe

Joe

Mindy

Jill

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 June 2020 Sales
Moe $600
Mindy $550
Jill $500
Joe $450
Ely $400
Here's another issue: Pie chart overload. Multiple pies on the same sheet can work okay, but it's pretty difficult for some people to compare all the pies and slices.
Here's
Cells another
B12 through issue:
E15 contains Pie
Data. Thechart
data hasoverload.
three columns: Multiple
2018, 2019, pies on the
and 2020. same
The data also sheet
has threecan
rows:work okay,and
Roses, Tulips, but
Irises.
A picture of a piedifficult
it's pretty chart titled:for
2018. The piepeople
some chart is sliced into three slices:
to compare all Tulips 60%, Irises
the pies and33%, and Roses 7%.
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 we made three pie charts, that visualize each year. But it's hard to compare each and every s
To continue withIn ...and we made three pie charts, that visualize each year. But
this
this data,press
tutorial, we have three DOWN.
CTRL+PAGE value To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
it's hard to compare each and every slice. A better choice is to
columns....
use a column chart, which we'll explain on the next sheet...

2018 2019 2020

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

Roses Tulips Irises Roses Tulips Irises Roses Tulips Irises

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he pies and slices.

rd to compare each and every slice. A better choice is to use a column chart, which we'll explain on the next sheet..."
Practice using a 100% Stacked Column Chart
1.Practice using
Select any cell inside the dataa 100%
below Stacked
(B14:E16), and then on theColumn Chart
Insert tab (ALT+N), select the insert column or bar chart option (C1).
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 toggle data labels (A+D+N).
1set the
4. To
Click anywhere inside
thechart title, goand
data below,
2 (ALT+JC),
to Chart Design
Then under 2D
Column,add chartthis
select
3 title
element (A), Chart
Move the chart into a
(C),position
better and select 4 Click
if you(A) for title above then
chart.
Chart Title, and
Nowthe
delete youtext
areinfocused on the title cell and can type,
then on the
Cells B13 through E16Insert tab,data. The dataicon:
contains has three columns: 2018, 2019, andneed2020.to. Then,
The sataright- the titleTulips,
also has three rows: Roses, and type,
and Irises.
To continueclick thisthis
with button:
tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, click oneCTRL+PAGE
press of the gray UP. Flower Sales.
colors and click Add
Data Labels.

Repeat that for the

other colors.

2018 2019 2020

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

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ed on the title cell and can type, Flower Sales.
 2019 Sales
Jo $310
Bill $305
Cyril $302
Tim $300
Frank $299
Emma $290
Jeff $286
Eli $268
Kim $260
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 one column of categories and one column of value
Another
Cells B12 throughproblem:
E36 contains You
data.have
The datahierarchical
has four columns:data.
Campus,A Type,
pie chart
Rep, andcan
Weektry to visualize
1 Sales. The data alsothis,
has 25but it labeled
rows, will with different sections.
There
stayis a firm
bracket
togrouping cells B12
its roots, and through
use D12
onlythatone
says, column
"In this data,
ofit'scategories
almost like we and
have three
onecategory
column columns…"
of values.
There is a bracket grouping cell 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 slices are listed below the pie chart.
An arrow pointing towards the picture of the pie chart has a label that says, "Excel tries to make a pie chart with this data, but that's a lot of slices and an enormous legend! On t
To continue with In this
thistutorial,
data, it's almost
press like
CTRL+PAGE ...and
DOWN. one
To go to the previousExcel tries
sheet, to make
press a pie UP.
CTRL+PAGE chart with this data, but that's a
we have three category value lot of slices and an enormous legend! On the next sheet,
columns... column. you'll see how a sunburst chart 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
West campus B2B Ivy $60 North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Eli North campus B2B Moe
Hal $30 North campus B2C Jan North campus B2C Jim North campus B2C Jay
South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal South campus B2B Zed
Joy $100 South campus B2C Guy South campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
B2C Liz $30 East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv East campus B2B Lex
East campus B2C Abe East campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal West campus B2B Joy
West campus B2C Liz West campus B2C Tia West campus B2C Zoe
tegories and one column of values.
different sections.

w the pie chart.

es and an enormous legend! On the next sheet, you'll see how a sunburst chart works better for this data."
 North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Eli North campus B2B Moe
North campus B2C Jan North campus B2C Jim North campus B2C Jay
South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal South campus B2B Zed
South campus B2C Guy South campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv East campus B2B Lex
East campus B2C Abe East campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
Tia $120 West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal West campus B2B Joy
Zoe $60 West campus B2C Liz West campus B2C Tia West campus B2C Zoe

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A sunburst chart can visualize hierarchical data. It's like the outside ring is a doughnut chart with different sized arcs, and the inner rings visualize the underlying hierarchy.
AB12
Cells sunburst chart
through E36 can
contains visualize
data. The data hashierarchical data. Type,
four columns: Campus, It's like theWeek
Rep, and outside
1 Sales.ring is a
The data donut
also chartlabeled
has 25 rows, withwith different sections.
A bracket grouping
different cells B12
sized through
arcs, andD12 thehasinner
a label that says,
rings "This sunburst
visualize the chart uses these three
underlying columns for the three inner rings…"
hierarchy.
A bracket grouping cell 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 inside. An arrow pointing towards the doughnut c
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go
...and to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
uses
This sunburst chart uses Here's an example of how to read this chart:
this column
these three columns for the "In the West campus, of all B2C sales, Tia is
for the outer
three inner rings... ring. the biggest seller followed by Zoe and Liz."

Campus Type Rep Week 1 Sales Week 1 Sales

North campus B2B Joe $30
Eli $20

Tia,
Moe $40
B2C Jan $30

C
B2
Jim $30

C
rt

B2
Jay $50 No st
h We p
South campus B2B Tim $60 cam Joy,

B2C
Sout us
Sal $40

B2B
Zed $20 h
B East
B2C Guy $40 B2 camp
Zeb $20
B2B

B2C
Cat $60 j,
East campus B2B Taj $100 Ta
Liv $30
Lex $20 North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Eli
B2C Abe $40 North campus B2B Moe North campus B2C Jan
North campus B2C Jim North campus B2C Jay
Les $30 South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal
Ann $60 South campus B2B Zed South campus B2C Guy
West campus B2B Ivy $60 South campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
Hal $30 East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv
East campus B2B Lex East campus B2C Abe
Joy $100 East campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
B2C Liz $30 West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal
West campus B2B Joy West campus B2C Liz
West campus B2C Tia West campus B2C Zoe
ze the underlying hierarchy.
different sections.

pointing towards the doughnut chart has a label that says, "Here'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."
gest seller follow by Zoe and Liz.""
 South campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv
East campus B2B Lex East campus B2C Abe
East campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal
Tia $120 West campus B2B Joy West campus B2C Liz
West campus B2C Tia West campus B2C Zoe
Zoe $60

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Practice changing from a pie chart, to a sunburst chart
1.Practice changing
Select the pie chart below. Then on the from a pie
Chart Design chart,
tab (ALT+C), select to a Chart
Change sunburst
Type (C). chart
2. On the left menu list select Sunburst, and select ok or press the enter key to confirm. When the chart has changed, select the chart, and toggle Data Labels (ALT+JC, then A+D)
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 options. Select both the Category Name and Value che
1 stepClick
4. Do 1 again,
pie chart but
belowthistotime change 2
the border of the On the left, click
to theSunburst,
Treemap chart. Now each campus
and then
3 has Now right-click any
a label,
data color,and
andclick 4 the
the boxes represent
Do step 1 again, but
this sales for eachtorep.
time change
select it.E37
Cells B13 through Then on the data. The dataOK.
contains has When the chartCampus, Type, Rep,
four columns: Format Data Labels.
and Week the25
1 Sales. The data also has Treemap chart. with different sections.
rows, labeled
Chart
A picture of Design
a color coded tab at chart titled: Week
pie has1changed, right-
Sales. This pie chart is sliced intoThen, select both
twenty-four theThe labels for allNow
slices. you can
the slices aresee thatbelow the pie chart.
listed
the top of the window, click any arc, and Category Name and each campus has a
To continue with
click this tutorial,
Change Chart press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
choose Add ToData
go to the previous sheet, press
Value CTRL+PAGE UP.
checkbox. color, and the boxes
Type. Labels. represent the sales for
each rep.

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 campus B2B Moe
Hal $30 North campus B2C Jan North campus B2C Jim North campus B2C Jay
Joy $100 South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal South campus B2B Zed
South campus B2C Guy South campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv East campus B2B Lex
East campus B2C Abe East campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal West campus B2B Joy
West campus B2C Liz West campus B2C Tia West campus B2C Zoe
Labels (ALT+JC, then A+D).
gory Name and Value checkbox.
 North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Eli North campus B2B Moe
North campus B2C Jan North campus B2C Jim North campus B2C Jay
South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal South campus B2B Zed
South campus B2C Guy South campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
B2C Liz $30 East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv East campus B2B Lex
Tia $120 East campus B2C Abe East campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal West campus B2B Joy
Zoe $60 West campus B2C Liz West campus B2C Tia West campus B2C Zoe

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One last thing before you go: Sometimes you might have data that isn't summarized yet. In these cases, you need to create a special kind of chart: A PivotChart.
One
Cells last thing
B12 through before
D21 contains you
data. go:
There areSometimes you might
three columns: Month, Rep, andhave dataarethat
Sales. There nine isn't summarized
rows the contains the datayet. In these
information.
An cases,
arrow pointing towards cells B12 through D21 has a label that
you need to create a special kind of chart: A PivotChart.says, "This data is not summarized yet. We really need each rep's sales summed up, and each sum represented
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 summarize each rep's sales? "
Cells K12 through
This data L16 contains
is not data. The
summarized data
yet. Wehas two columns: Row Labels (with a drop down menu) and Sum of Sales. The data also has five rows that consists of the names: E
With every PivotChart, comes a
An arrowreally need each rep's sales summedthat says,...To
pointing towards the data has a label "Withdo that,PivotChart,
every we madecomes a PivotChart. Butwhich
a PIvotTable, how sums up the sales for each rep."
PIvotTable, which sums up the
up, and
To continue each
with this sum represented
tutorial, in a pieDOWN. To go did
press CTRL+PAGE it summarize
to the each
previous sheet, rep's
press sales? UP.
CTRL+PAGE
chart... sales for each rep.

Month Rep Sales Row Labels Sum of Sales

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

Mar Eric $50 Milly

Mar Milly $10 135

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nd each sum represented in a pie chart... "

t consists of the names: Eric, Joe, Milly, and a Gran Total of the Sum of Sales.
Practice creating a PivotChart
1.Practice
Select any cell in creating a PivotChart
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 key to confirm.
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
Click anywhere in the
datapivot chart.
below, andThen
2 Intab the Create
thengo to the DesignPivotChart
(ALT+JC), 3 Type
select Change Chart
dialog
In the PivotTable
(C),pane
Fields and choose 4 Click
on the the 2D pie chart option.
the border of the
chart to select it. Then
When the on piethe Insert
chart tab, click
appears, box, click
select the chart again Existing
and toggle Data Labels (ALT+JC, right,
then click
A+D).the at the top of the
PivotChart.
Cells B18 through D27 contains data. The dataWorksheet, and in the
has three columns: Month, rep, and checkboxes for Rep
Sales. The data window,
also has ten rows that consistsclick the data information.
of the
Location box, type and Sales. Then move Design tab. Then click
F18. Click OK. the chart into a better Change Chart Type
position. 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.

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 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 shortcut Videos Community

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

Learn more Learn more Learn more Learn more