What is a pie chart?
A pie chart is a circle divided into slices, with each slice representing a category's share of one total. It is best for a small number of non-overlapping categories when the part-to-whole relationship is the main message.
How to make a pie chart
- Enter category names in the first column and positive values in the second.
- Use raw values; they do not need to add up to 100.
- Choose distinct colors and a title that explains what the total represents.
- Export the finished chart as PNG or SVG.
When a pie chart works well
Pie charts are useful for simple budgets, vote shares, traffic-source mixes, and market-share snapshots. Every category should belong to the same total, and the categories should not overlap.
Avoid a pie chart when there are many similar-sized categories, negative values, or changes over time. A sorted bar chart usually makes close comparisons more accurate.
Common pie chart mistakes
- Using too many slices or a rainbow of unrelated colors.
- Treating percentages from overlapping survey answers as one whole.
- Adding 3D perspective, which visually distorts slice areas.
- Omitting the time period, unit, or definition of the total.
Frequently asked questions
Do my values need to add up to 100?
No. Enter raw positive values and the pie chart will calculate each slice as its proportion of the total.
How many slices should a pie chart have?
Two to six slices is a useful rule of thumb. With many categories, a sorted bar chart is usually easier to compare.
What is the difference between a pie and donut chart?
Both show parts of a whole. A donut chart adds an open center that can create visual breathing room or hold a total label.