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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1
1
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 a pie chartfirst:
titled:When
April 2019should
Sales. Theyou useis sliced
pie chart a pieintochart? When
four slices: you need
Brian $1,100, to show
Dave $650, parts
Kelly, $500, and(
EXPERT TIP: This pie chart has only four slices. This is ideal because it gives you quick idea of how much each sales rep contribu
that make up 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.
Give feedback on this tutorial.
April 2019 Sales EXPERT TIP
This pie chart has only
Sal l y
four slices. This is ideal
$200 because it gives you a
quick idea of how much
each sales rep
Kell y contributed to sales in
$500
Bri an April 2019.
$1,100
If you end up with more
than four slices, another
chart is probably best.
(More on that later.)
Dave
$650

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Salesperson April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
make up a whole.
u00,need to show
Dave $650, parts
Kelly, $500, and(slices)
Sally $200.
w 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 valu
Before
Cells you
B9 through C12create a pie
contains Data. chart,
There are twomake sure
columns: yourand
Categories data is The
Values. setCategories
up correctly: Create
column contains the one
values
column of categories, and one column of values.
A picture of a pie chart sliced into four slices: Brian $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
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Categories Values
Give feedback on this tutorial. Sa l ly
$200

Brian $1,100
Dave $650 Kel l y
$500
Kelly $500 Bri an
Sally $200 $1,100

Dave
$650

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egories, and one column of values.
correctly: Create
ries column contains the one
values Brian, Dave, Kelly, and Sally. The Values column contains the values $1,100, $650, $500, and $200.

in the pie chart.

s. 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
$650, $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 des
Another
Cells B12 throughthing to do
C16 contains beforehand:
Data. The Data has a descriptive titleApril
Type a title: above2019 the
Sales.values. This will end up as the
A picture of a pie chart that has a descriptive title: April 2019 Sales. The pie chart is sliced into four slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $
of the pie chart itself, so make it descriptive.
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... so that the chart
end up with that sa
Put a descriptive title April 2019 Sales title.
here ...
Sa l ly
$200

April 2019 Sales Kel l y

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

Dave
$650

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the pie chart itself, so make it descriptive.
s. This will end up as the title
o four slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
RL+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 do
C16 contains before
data. The datacreating
is titled: Aprila2019
chart:
Sales.Sort
Therethe values
are four rows: from largest
Brian $1,100, Daveto$650,
smallest.
Kelly $5
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
will make the slices easily readable in a clockwise direction.
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Give feedback on this tutorial.

April 2019 Sales

This column is sorted from
largest to smallest... Sa l ly
$200

April 2019 Sales Kel l y

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

Dave
$650

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 make the slices easily readable in a clockwise direction.
from largest
Brian $1,100, Daveto$650,
smallest. This
Kelly $500, and Sally $200. An arrow pointing towards the data has a label that says, "This column is sorted from
1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200. An arrow pointing towards the pie chart has a label that says, "...the largest slice will start at t
RL+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
00

Next
ys, "This column is sorted from largest to smallest..."
...the 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 position, and2 thenNow right-click any 3 theSelect
at the top of the window, click
one of the
Chart Design tab (ALT+JC). Then4 click Change
descriptive title like of the numbers and cells with numbers.
Cells B12 through C15Sales."
"April 2019 contains Data. The Data has four
choose Sortrows: Kelly $500, Dave $650,
> Sort Then Brian
on the $1,100,
Insert and Sally $200.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to
Largest to Smallest. the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE
tab, click the Pie UP.
Give feedback on this tutorial. button:

And then the first 2D

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

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elect the first 2D pie option.
Move the pie to a
T+JC). Then click Change Colors (H) to pick a different set of colors for the chart.
better position, and
d Sally $200. then at the top of the
window, click the
Chart Design tab.
Then click Change
Colors to pick a
different set of 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 l
You of
A picture made a pie
a pie chart chart,
titled: that's
April 2019 Sales.great! Butiswe
The pie chart can
sliced intomake it even
four slices. better.
Below the One
pie chart listsway to doBrian
four names: th
to directly label the slices using data labels. Read how to do this under "Try this," below.
TRY THIS: Right-click any slice, and choose Add Data Labels (ALT+JC+D). Now you can see the exact values for each slice.
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Give feedback on this tutorial.
TRY THIS
April 2019 Sales Right-click any slice,
and choose Add
Data Labels. Now
you can see the
exact values for
each slice.

Bri a n Dave Kel l y Sal l y

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 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
bel the slices using data labels. Read how to do this under "Try this", below.
One
art listsway to doBrian,
four names: thatDave,
is Kelly, and Sally.
ues for each slice.
"Try this," below.

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, wh
Let'sofmake
A picture thetitled:
a pie chart dataAprillabels even
2019 Sales. better.
The pie chart is Data labels
sliced into can $1,100,
four slices: show $650,
values, asand
$500, shown below.
$200. Below the
they can also show each category. Give it a shot yourself by following the steps below.
TRY THIS: Right-click a slice and choose Format Data Labels. In the pane that appears, select the Category name checkbox. And
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Give feedback to this tutorial.
TRY THIS
April 2019 Sales Right-click a slice and
choose Format Data
$200
Labels.

In the pane that appe

select the Category n
$500 checkbox. And below
that, set the Separato
$1,100
(New line).

Now right-click the le

and delete it, since it'
not needed anymore.
$650

Bri a n Dave Kel l y Sal l y

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Feedback
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
 show each category, which makes a legend unnecessary.
, asand
00, shown below.
$200. Below But
the pie chart lists four names: Brian, Dave, Kelly, and Sally.
ory name checkbox. And below that, set the Separator to (New line). Now right-click the legend and delete it, since it's not needed anymor
he steps below.

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
t, 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
Dataoflabels
A picture can
a pie chart also
titled: Aprilshow percentages.
2019 Sales. This into
The pie chart is sliced is handy when
four slices: you already
Brian $1,100, know
Dave $650, the and
Kelly $500, tota
TRY THIS: Right-click a slice and choose Format Data Labels. In the pane that appears, click Percentage. Since adding the percen
you just need to see the percentage for each slice. Try it out yourself...
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Give feedback to this tutorial.
TRY THIS
April 2019 Sales Right-click a slice and
choose Format Data
Sal l y
Labels.
$200
In the pane that appe
click Percentage.
Kel l y
$500 Since adding the
Bri a n percentages makes th
$1,100 labels crowded, go ah
uncheck the Value
checkbox.

Dave
$650

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 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
eed to see the percentage for each slice. Try it out below!
veady know
$650, the and
Kelly $500, total,
Sallyand
$200.
. Since adding the percentages makes the labels crowded, go ahead uncheck the Value checkbox.

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 ne
Here's
A picture of a a
pietip:
chartUse
titled:color to Sales.
April 2019 emphasize and
The pie chart de-emphasize
is sliced slices.
into four slices: Brian $1,100,This
Dave is useful
$650, whenandth
Kelly $500,
chart is on a PowerPoint slide, and you need the audience to focus on one of the slices.
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Give feedback on this tutorial.

April 2019 Sales

Sa l l y
$200

Kel l y
$500
Bri an
$1,100

Dave
$650

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Feedback
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
 erPoint slide, and you need the audience to focus on one of the slices.
s is$650,
ve useful whenandthe
Kelly $500, Sally $200. All the slices are de-emphasized by the color gray except for the slice, Dave $650, which is emphasized
one of the slices.

Next
ave $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 slices
1. Right-click one of the slices below, and choose Format Data Series. Then, in the Format Data Series pane, click the Paint buck
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 w
1 Right-click
4. Right-click
one of the 2 Format
the selected slice, and choose
In the Format Data
Data Point. In the Format 3 DataNow select a slice. To 4 and then chan
Point pane, click the Fill icon,
slices below, and Series pane, under do this, click an
A picture of a pie chart
choose Formattitled:
DataApril 2019 Sales.
Fill,The
andpie chart ais sliced into four slices:
choose empty Brian
area$1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and
of a slice,
To continue with
Series. this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To
gray for the Colorgo to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE
but don't select a UP.
Give feedback on this tutorial. option. data label.
Then, in the Format
Data Series pane, You'll know you've
click the Fill Icon: selected a slice when
three handles appear
on the corners of the
slice.

April 2019 Sales

Sa l l y
$200

Kell y
$500
Bri an
$1,100

Dave
$650

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Feedback
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
ices
pane, click the Paint bucket icon.

w you've selected a slice when three handles appear on the corners of the slice.
Right-click the
e Fill icon, and then change the Color option to an orange, green, or some color that stands out.
selected slice, and
ve $650, Kellychoose
$500, and Sally $200. Each slice is color coded to emphasize and de-emphasize the slices.
Format Data
Point. In the Format
Data Point pane,
click the Fill icon,
and then change the
Color option to an
orange, green, or
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 of a another tip:
pie chart sliced Consider
into creating
four slices: $1,100, $650,a$500,
doughnut
and $200.chart. Why? Some people find the ar
A picture of a doughnut chart sliced into four slices: $1,100, $650, $500, and $200.
a doughnut easier to compare than the slices of a pie chart.
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Pie chart Doughnut chart

$200
$200

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

$650
$650

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Feedback
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
t easier to compare than the slices of a pie chart.
people find the arcs of

oughnut chart

$200

$1,100

50

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 Categ
1 made
4. We the total circle below. Now2something for you to do: Right-click
Click inside the data Move the chart if you 3it andNow right-click any 4
choose Bring to Front (ALT+P+AF). Then drag
below Then on the need to. Then right- arc, and choose Add
Cells B17 through C21click
Insert tab, contains
the Data. The Data is titled:
click any arc,April
and2019 Sales. There are
Datafour rows of
Labels. data: Brian $1,100, Dave $650,
Then
A picture of a yellow total
Pie button, and thencircle with a description inside: Total:
choose Format Data $2,450 right-click an arc and
To continue with
click thethis tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE
Doughnut DOWN.
Series. To go to the previous sheet,
For Doughnut choosepress CTRL+PAGE
Format Data UP.
option:
Give feedback on this tutorial. Hole Size, type in Labels. Select the
50%. Category Name
checkbox. For
Separator, choose
(New Line). Delete
the legend.

April 2019 Sales

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

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Feedback
 My 2019 Expenses
Housing $2,500
Transportation $1,200
Food $800
Clothing $200
 the Doughnut option.
ut Hole Size, type in 50%.
a Labels. Select the Category Name checkbox. For Separator, choose (New Line). Delete the legend.
We made the total
nt (ALT+P+AF). Then drag it inside the doughnut chart.
circle below. Now
Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
something for you to
do: Right-click it and
choose Bring to
Front. Then drag it
inside the donut
chart.

Total:
$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 pie3D
of a color coded charts can
pie chart. Thishave problems.
pie chart Here
is sliced into four are
slices: justDave,
Brian, a few
Kelly,examples.
and Sally. In the next f
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 B2
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
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Give feedback on this tutorial.

North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B El y

Sa l l y Sa l ; $200 Zane; $200 Gre
North campus B2B Moe North campus B2C Jil l Ti m; $200
Ke ll y Bri an
North campus B2C Mi ndy North campus B2C Jas on Jas on; $300 Joe;
South ca mpus B2B Ti m South ca mpus B2B Sa l Ji l l ; $500
South ca mpus B2B Zane South ca mpus B2C Greg
Dave South ca mpus B2C Jeff South ca mpus B2C Mi ke Moe; $600
Ea st campus B2B Lars Ea st campus B2B Abby
Ea st campus B2B Ca rl y Ea st campus B2C Da ren
Ea st campus B2C Karl Ea st campus B2C Jos eph El y; $800
West campus B2B Dave West campus B2B Hal
West campus B2B Ol i ver West campus B2C Phi l
West campus B2C Qui nn West campus B2C Coco

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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 camB2B 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 camB2B 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.
examples. In the next few
pus B2B Moe, North campus B2C Mindy, South campus B2B Tim, South campus B2B Zane, South campus B2C Jeff, East campus B2B Lars, No
500, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.

Sal ; $200 Zane; $200 Greg; $100

Ti m; $200
Ja s on; $300 Joe; $2,200
Ji l l ; $500
Moe; $600

El y; $800

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
C Jeff, East campus B2B Lars, North campus B2B Ely, North campus B2C Jill, North campus B2C Jason, South campus B2B Sal, South campus
ampus 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 general
First ofproblem
A picture to be
a 3D, color coded pieaware of:into3D
chart sliced pie
four charts
slices: can
Joy, Ivy, Dan,distort
and Ben.slices, making the front slices lo
An arrow pointing towards the pie chart has a label that says, "Ivy's slice looks pretty big. Is she truly the leader in sales? Or do
larger than they really are. In general, we don't recommend using 3D 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
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Give feedback on this tutorial.
Ben
Joy Joy
Dan Ben $800
Dan
$500 $200

Ivy
Ivy $700

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

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 April 2019 Sales
Joy $800
Ivy $700
Dan $500
Ben $200
than they really are. In general, we don't recommend using 3D pie charts.
aking the front slices look
truly the leader in sales? Or does her slice just look like the biggest?..."
3D pie charts.
se labels show that Joy's slice is truly the largest. If you use 2D pie charts, you can avoid the distortion problem.

Joy
Ben $800
$200

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 isMay
titled: a common problem
2020 Sales. This pie chartwith
is colorpie charts.
coded If you're
and sliced ever Joe
into ten slices: in $2,200,
this situation,
Ely $800, Moe
An arrow pointing towards a pie chart that says, "Problem: This pie chart has many slices, and it's hard to compare them." The
consider changing to another chart like a column chart.
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.
Give feedback on this tutorial.
Problem: This pie chart has
Solution: Use a column chart, an
many slices, and it's hard to
comparing the values is much eas
compare them.

May 2020 Sales May 2020 Sales

Joe
$2,200

Sal Za ne Greg
$100
$200 $200
Ti m
$200 Joe
$2,200
Jas on
$300
Ji l l Mi ndy
Ely
$500 $300 $800
Moe
$600 Ji l l
$500
Moe Mi ndy Ja s on
$600 $300 $300 Ti m Sal Zan
Ely $200 $200 $20
$800

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 May 2020 Sales
Joe $2,200
Ely $800
Moe $600
Jill $500
Mindy $300
Jason $300
Tim $200
Sal $200
Zane $200
Greg $100
 anging to another chart like a column chart.
ver in $2,200,
ces: Joe this situation,
Ely $800, Moe $600, Jill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.
s hard to compare them." The slices are labeled, however, the labels and the slices are too close together which makes it hard to compare
0, Ely $800, Moe $600, Jill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100. An arrow pointing towards the colum

n: Use a column chart, and

g the values is much easier.

May 2020 Sales

Mi ndy Ja s on
$300 $300 Ti m Sal Zane
$200 $200 $200 Greg
$100

Next
hich makes it hard to compare the data.
ow pointing towards the column chart has a label that says, "Solution: Use a column chart, and comparing the values is much easier."
he values 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 on
1 the
4. Select
Click the border of
pie chart, and go to the Chart 2 Design
Select Column on 3 axis
tab (ALT+JC). Toggle vertical
This column chart
with the command (A+X+V) 4and (A+X+H) to
the chart below to the left, and then works pretty well, but
A picture of a pieit.chart
select Thentitled:
on theMay 2020 Sales. TheOK.
click pie chart is color coded and iswe
sliced
don'tinto tenthe
need slices: Joe $2,200, Ely $800, M
However, there are too
Chart Design tab atmany slices. The labels and the slices are too close together which
vertical andmakes it hard to compare the data.
Give feedback on of
the top thisthe
tutorial. horizontal axes, since
To continuewindow,
with thisclick
tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, we already have data UP.
press CTRL+PAGE
Change Chart Type. labels on the
columns...

May 2020 Sales

Za ne Greg
Sal $100
$200 $200
Ti m
$200 Joe
$2,200
Jas on
$300
Ji l l Mindy
$500 $300

Moe
$600
El y
$800

Previous Next
Feedback
 May 2020 Sales
Joe $2,200
Ely $800
Moe $600
Jill $500
Mindy $300
Jason $300
Tim $200
Sal $200
Zane $200
Greg $100
ndow (ALT+JC), select Change Chart Type (C).

ready have data labels on the columns…

Right-click the
(A+X+V) and (A+X+H) to toggle the horizontal axis.
vertical axis on the
Joe $2,200, Ely $800, Moe $600, Jill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.
left. (It's the one that
rd to compareon the
thedata.
very left that
starts with $2,500 at
the top and goes
down to $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, "What
Another
A pie chart titled:problem: PieThis
June 2020 Sales. slices areis color
pie chart too coded
similar.
and isWhen this
sliced into five happens, people
slices: Moe, Mind, might
Jill, Joe, start
and Ely.
An arrow pointing towards the pie chart has a label that says, "Problem: these slices are so similar, it's hard to identify anything
looking around the room wondering, "What's the key takeaway 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.
Give feedback on Problem: These slices are so
this tutorial. 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
Who's the leading sales rep? the lead now: Moe!

June 2020 Sales June 2020 Sales

El y Ely $400
Moe
Joe $450

Joe Ji l l $500

Mindy Mindy $550

Ji l l Moe $6

Previous
Feedback
 June 2020 Sales
Moe $600
Mindy $550
Jill $500
Joe $450
Ely $400
nd the room wondering, "What's the key takeaway here?"
s,, Mind,
people might
Jill, Joe, start
and Ely.
ar, it's hard to identify anything useful. For example: Who's the leading sales rep?"
re?"
dy $550, and Moe, $600.
another 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.
ou can see who's in
ead 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 the horizontal axis on the2bottom of the chart (ALT+JC, then3
Click the border of Select Bar on the left, This bar needs some 4 that starts w
A+X+H). (The horizontal axis is the one
the chart below to and then click OK. clean up. Right-click
A picture of a color
select coded
it. Then onpie
thechart titled: June 2020 Sales. This pie chart is colorone
coded andbars,
of the is sliced
and into five slices: Moe, Mind
To continue with this tutorial,
Chart Design tab at press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet,
select Format Data UP.
press CTRL+PAGE
Give feedback on of
the top thisthe
tutorial. Labels. Now select
window, click the Value checkbox.
Change Chart Type. Then uncheck the
Category Name
checkbox.

June 2020 Sales

El y
Moe

Joe

Mindy

Ji l l

Previous Next
Feedback
 June 2020 Sales
Moe $600
Mindy $550
Jill $500
Joe $450
Ely $400
data labels (A+D+N).
Now right-click the
s is the one that starts with 0 and ends with 700).
horizontal axis on
nto five slices: Moe, Mindy, Jill, Joe, and Ely.
the bottom and
click Delete. (The
horizontal axis is the
one that starts with
0 and ends with
700.

Next
Here's another issue: Pie chart overload. Multiple pies on the same sheet can work okay, but it's pretty difficult for some peopl
Here's
Cells another
B12 through issue:
E15 contains Data.Pie
The chart
data hasoverload.
three columns:Multiple
2018, 2019,pies on the
and 2020. same
The data alsosheet can
has three work
rows: Roses,oT
A picture of a pie chart titled: 2018. The pie chart is sliced into three slices: Tulips 60%, Irises 33%, and Roses 7%.
but it's pretty difficult for some people to compare all the pies and 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 ...and
says, "…and we made
we made threepie
three pie charts,
charts, that visualize
that visualiea
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE
In this data, we have three value DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
year. But it's hard to compare each and every
Give feedback on this tutorial.
columns.... better choice is to use a column chart, whic
explain on the next sheet...

2018 2019 2020

Roses 7% 25% 54% 2018 2019
Tulips 60% 32% 27%
Irises 33% 42% 20%
6.98%
33.22% 25.42%
42.37%
59.80%
32.20%

Roses Tuli ps Roses Tuli ps

Iri s es Iris es

Previous
Feedback
pretty difficult for some people to compare all the pies and slices.
amealsosheet can
has three work
rows: Roses,okay,
Tulips, and Irises.
, and Roses 7%.
slices.
, and Roses 25%.
, and Roses 54%.
eepie
e pie charts,
charts, that
thatvisualize each year.
visualize eachBut 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

19.64%
25.42%
7%
53.57%
26.79%
32.20%

oses Tuli ps Ros es Tul i ps

s es Iri ses

Next
a 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 opti
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 togg
4. To1set the chart title, go to Chart Design
2 (ALT+JC), add chart element (A),3Chart title (C), and select (A) for title
4 above chart. N
Click anywhere inside Then under 2D Move the chart into a
the data below, and Column, select this better position if you
Cells B13 through
then on E16 contains data. The data
the Insert has three columns: 2018, 2019, and
icon: need2020. The sata
to. Then, also has three rows: Roses, T
right-
To continue with this tutorial,
tab, click this button: press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet,
click one of the gray UP.
press CTRL+PAGE
Give feedback on this tutorial. 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%

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

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

4 above
elect (A) for title
Click Chart Title, and
chart. Now you are focused on the title cell and can type, Flower Sales.
then delete the text
a also has three rows: Roses, Tulips, and Irises.
in the title 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 o
Another
Cells B12 through problem:
E36 contains You have
data. The data hierarchical
has four columns: data.
Campus,A pieRep,
Type, chart can try
and Week to The
1 Sales. visualize
data alsothis, bu
has 25 ro
There is a bracket grouping cells B12 through D12 that says, "In this data, it's almost like we have three category columns…"
stay firm to its roots, and use only one column of categories and one column 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 slic
An arrow pointing towards the picture of the pie chart has a label that says, "Excel
Excel triestotomake
tries make aapie
piechart withwith
chart this data,
this but
dat
To continue withIn this
thistutorial,
data, press
it's almost
CTRL+PAGE DOWN....andToone
go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
that's a lot of slices and an enormous legen
like we have three value
Give feedback on this tutorial. the next sheet, you'll see how a sunburst c
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 North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B El i
B2C Abe $40 North campus B2B Moe North campus B2C Ja n
North campus B2C Ji m North campus B2C Jay
Les $30
South ca mpus B2B Ti m South ca mpus B2B Sa l
Ann $60 South ca mpus B2B Zed South ca mpus B2C Guy
West campus B2B Ivy $60 South ca mpus B2C Zeb South ca mpus B2C Cat
Hal $30 Ea st ca mpus B2B Taj Ea st ca mpus B2B Li v
Ea st ca mpus B2B Lex Ea st ca mpus B2C Abe
Joy $100
Ea st ca mpus B2C Les Ea st ca mpus B2C Ann
B2C Liz $30 West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Ha l
Tia $120 West campus B2B Joy West campus B2C Li z
Zoe $60 West campus B2C Ti a West campus B2C Zoe

Previous
Feedback
firm to its roots, and only use one column of categories and one column of values.
try to visualize
1 Sales. The data alsothis, but
has 25 it labeled
rows, will with different sections.
e three category columns…"
one column of values.
slices. The labels for all the slices are listed below the pie chart.
eaapie
piechart withwith
chart this data,
this but
data,that's
but a lot of slices and an enormous legend! On the next sheet, you'll see how a sunburst chart works bett
s and an enormous legend! On
ou'll see how a sunburst chart
better for this data.

Week 1 Sales

2B Joe North campus B2B El i

2B Moe North campus B2C Ja n
2C Ji m North campus B2C Jay
2B Ti m South ca mpus B2B Sa l
2B Zed South ca mpus B2C Guy
2C Zeb South ca mpus B2C Cat
B Taj Ea st ca mpus B2B Li v
B Lex Ea st ca mpus B2C Abe
C Les Ea st ca mpus B2C Ann
B Ivy West campus B2B Ha l
B Joy West campus B2C Li z
C Ti a West campus B2C Zoe

Next
ow 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 in
AB12
Cells sunburst
through E36chart can
contains data.visualize
The data hashierarchical data.Type,
four columns: Campus, It'sRep,
likeand
theWeek
outside
1 Sales.ring is aalso
The data donut
has 25 ch
ro
A bracket grouping cells B12 through D12 has a label that says, "This sunburst chart uses these three columns for the three inn
with different sized arcs, and the inner rings visualize the underlying 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
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To uses Here's
go to the previous sheet, pressan example
CTRL+PAGE UP.of how to read thi
...and
This sunburst
Give feedback on this tutorial. chart uses chart:
this column
these three columns for "In the West campus, of all B2C sales
for the
the three inner rings... Tia is the biggest seller followed by Zo
outer ring.
and Liz."

This chart isn't available in your version of Excel.

Campus Type Rep Week 1 Sales
North campus B2B Joe $30 Editing this shape or saving this workbook into a differen
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
Feedback
h different sized arcs, and the inner rings visualize the underlying hierarchy.
tside
1 Sales.ring is aalso
The data donut
has 25 chart
rows, labeled with different sections.
hree columns for the three inner rings…"
ng hierarchy.
iced 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 r
xample of how to read this
chart:
campus, of all B2C sales,
gest seller followed by Zoe
and Liz."

n your version of Excel.

ng this workbook into a different file

break the chart.

Next
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.""
ollow 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 optio
1 stepClick
4. Do 1 again, but this time change2to the Treemap chart. Now each campus
the border of On the left, click 3 Now right-click any 4 Dothe
has a color, and the boxes represent
step 1 a
sales
the pie chart below Sunburst, and then data label, and click this time ch
Cells B13 through
to selectE37 contains
it. Then on data. The data OK.hasWhen
four the
columns:
chart Campus, Type, Format
Rep, andData
Week 1 Sales. The data also
Labels. has 25 ro
the Treema
A picture of a color coded
the Chart Design tabpie chart titled: Week 1 Sales. This
has changed, right- pie chart is sliced into twenty-four slices.
Then, select both the The labels for
Nowthe
all youslic
ca
To continueat with thisoftutorial,
the top the press CTRL+PAGEclickDOWN.
any arc,Toand
go to the previous sheet, press Name
Category CTRL+PAGE
and UP. that each ca
window,
Give feedback clicktutorial.
on this choose Add Data has a color,
Change Chart Type. Labels. Value checkbox. boxes repre
sales for ea

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
North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B El i
B2C Abe $40 North campus B2B Moe North campus B2C Jan
Les $30 North campus B2C Ji m North campus B2C Jay
Ann $60 South ca mpus B2B Ti m South campus B2B Sal
South ca mpus B2B Zed South campus B2C Guy
West campus B2B Ivy $60
South ca mpus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
Hal $30 East campus B2B Ta j East campus B2B Li v
Joy $100 East campus B2B Lex East campus B2C Abe
B2C Liz $30 East campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Ha l
Tia $120
West campus B2B Joy West campus B2C Liz
Zoe $60 West campus B2C Ti a West campus B2C Zoe

Previous Next
Feedback
t has changed, select the chart, and toggle Data Labels (ALT+JC, then A+D).
or more data label options. Select both the Category Name and Value checkbox.
Do step 1 again, but
oxes represent the sales for each rep.
this time change to
The data also has 25 rows, labeled with different sections.
the Treemap chart.
The labels forNow
all the
youslices are listed below the pie chart.
can see
that each campus
has a color, and the
boxes represent the
sales for each rep.

Sales

North campus B2B El i

North campus B2C Jan
North campus B2C Jay
South campus B2B Sal
South campus B2C Guy
South campus B2C Cat
East campus B2B Li v
East campus B2C Abe
East campus B2C Ann
West campus B2B Ha l
West campus B2C Liz
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 sp
One
Cells last thing
B12 through before
D21 contains data.you
Therego: Sometimes
are three you Rep,
columns: Month, might haveThere
and Sales. dataarethat
nine isn't summarized
rows the contains the da
An arrow pointing towards cells B12 through D21 has a label that says, "This data is not summarized yet. We really need each r
cases, you need to create a special kind of chart: A PivotChart.
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 summariz
Cells K12
Thisthrough
data L16 contains
is not data. The data
summarized yet.has two columns: Row Labels (with a drop down menu) and Sum of Sales. The da
An arrowWe really need each rep's sales that says,
pointing towards the data has a label "With
...To doevery
that,PivotChart,
we made comes a PIvotTable,But
a PivotChart. which sums up the sales
To continue with this up,
summed tutorial,
andpress
each CTRL+PAGE
sum DOWN.how To godid
to the previous sheet,each
it summarize pressrep's
CTRL+PAGE
sales? UP.
represented
Give feedback in a pie chart...
on this tutorial.

Month Rep Sales

Jan Joe $60 Total
Jan Eric $20
Jan Milly $30 120
Feb Joe $15 Eric
Feb Eric $50 Joe
Feb Milly $30 Mil ly
325 Tota l Resul t
Mar Joe $60
135
Mar Eric $50
Mar Milly $10

70

Previous
Feedback
 se cases, you need to create a special kind of chart: A PivotChart.
rethat
nine isn't summarized
rows the yet.
contains the data In these
information.
rized yet. We really need each rep's sales summed up, and each sum represented in a pie chart... "
0, Joe 135, and Milly 70.
tChart. But how did it summarize each rep's sales? "
menu) and Sum of Sales.
WithThe data also
every has five rows that consists of the names: Eric, Joe, Milly, and a Gran Total of the Sum of Sales.
PivotChart,
tTable,
hart. Butwhich sums up the sales for each
comes a PIvotTable, rep."
which
s sales? sums up the sales for each
rep.

Rep Sum - Sales

Eric $120
Joe $135
Milly $70
Eric
Total Result $325
Joe
Mil ly
Tota l Resul t

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 k
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 pivot chart. Then go to the2Design tab (ALT+JC), select Change3
Click anywhere in the In the Create In the PivotTable
Chart Type (C), and choose the 2D pie4 chart option.
data below, and then PivotChart dialog Fields pane on the
When the on piethe
chart appears,
Insert tab, select the chartbox,
againclick
andExisting
toggle Data Labels (ALT+JC, then
right, A+D).
click the
Cells B18 through D27 contains
click PivotChart. data. The data has three columns:
Worksheet, and in Month, rep, and Sales.
checkboxes Thefor
data also has ten rows that consi
Rep
the Location box, and Sales. Then
type F18. Click OK. move the 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 Next
Feedback
 lect ok press the enter key to confirm.
a better position.
4 chart
the 2D pie
Click the border of
option.
the chart to select it.
Then at the top of
o has ten rows the
thatwindow,
consistsclick
of the
thedata information.
Design tab. Then
click 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
Give us feedback on this tutorial

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

Learn more Try this shortcut Videos Community

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

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