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.

Pie Chart Example

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

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.