Create a Pie Chart in Excel

A pie chart in Excel is a circular graph divided into slices, where each slice shows a category's proportion of the total. Ideal for displaying percentages like budget breakdowns or survey results, pie charts simplify complex data.

Note: Verify our data accuracy to prevent misleading charts.

1. Pie Chart Example

This is the data of students present (out of a total of 60 students) in the class in a particular week. 

2. Creating a Pie Chart in Excel

Use this process for Windows or Mac, with sample data (e.g., weekly student attendance out of 60).

Step 1: Preparing our Data

Organize our data in a simple table format with categories and values.

For Example:

• Column 1: Categories (e.g., Rent, Groceries, etc.).
• Column 2: Values (numerical data representing each category).

Step 2: Insert the Pie Chart

• Select the Data: Highlight the entire table, including headers.
• Go to the Insert Tab: Click the Insert tab in the Excel ribbon.

Choose the Pie Chart:

In the Charts group, click the Pie Chart icon.

Select one of these options:

• 2-D Pie: Standard pie chart.
• 3-D Pie: Adds depth.
• Doughnut Chart: Similar to a pie chart but with a hollow center.

Excel will generate the pie chart based on our selected data.

Step 3: Customize our Pie Chart

After inserting the Pie Chart, we can customize it to make it more readable and visually appealing.

1. Add Data Labels

• Click on the pie chart to select it.
• Right-click any slice and choose Add Data Labels to display the values on each slice.

Tip: To display percentages, right-click the labels, select Format Data Labels and check the Percentage box.

2. Change Colors of Pie Slices

• Click on any slice to select it.
• Right-click and choose Format Data Series, then change the slice color under Fill and Line.

3. Add a Chart Title

• Click on the default chart title.
• Replace it with a meaningful title, such as "Monthly Expenses Breakdown".

4. Change Chart Style

• Click on the chart.
• Go to the Chart Design tab and select a style from the Chart Styles gallery for a professional look.

Step 4: Move or Resize the Pie Chart

• Move the Chart: Click and drag the chart to a new location in our worksheet.
• Resize the Chart: Click and drag the corner handles of the chart to adjust its size.

Step 5: Save and Use the Pie Chart

• Save our Excel file to retain the chart.
• Copy the pie chart into other documents like Word or PowerPoint by selecting it, pressing Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac) and pasting it into our desired document.

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Article Tags :

• Excel
• ExcelGuide
• MSExcel
• MicrosoftExcel