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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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, partsand(
Kelly, $500,
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.

April 2019 Sales EXPERT TIP

This pie chart has only
Sally
four slices. This is ideal
$200 because it gives you a
quick idea of how much
Kelly
each sales rep
$500 contributed to sales in
Brian April 2019.
$1,100
If you end up with more
than four slices, another
chart is probably best.
Dave (More on that later.)
$650

Previous
Salesperson April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
ke up a whole.
need to show
Dave $650, partsand(slices)
Kelly, $500, Sally $200.
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 val
Before
Cells you
B9 through C12create a pie
contains Data. chart,
There are twomake sure
columns: yourand
Categories data is set
Values. up correctly:
The Categories Create
column contains theone
valuec
A picture of a pie chart sliced into four slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
of categories, and one column of 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
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Categories Values

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

Dave
$650

Previous
gories, and one column of values.
esrrectly: Create
column contains theone
valuescolumn
Brian, Dave, Kelly, and Sally. The Values column contains the values $1,100, $650, $500, and $200.

the pie chart.

t 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
, $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 de
Another
Cells B12 throughthing to do
C16 contains beforehand:
Data. Type a title
The Data has a descriptive above
title: April 2019the
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 $
the pie chart itself, so make it descriptive.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

... so that the chart wi

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

April 2019 Sales

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

Dave
$650

Previous
e pie chart itself, so make it descriptive.
This will end up as the title of
our slices: Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
L+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, to$650,
Dave 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
make the slices easily readable in a clockwise direction.
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 largest Sally
to smallest... $200

April 2019 Sales

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

Sally $200

Dave
$650

Previous
 ake the slices easily readable in a clockwise direction.
om largest
ian $1,100, to$650,
Dave smallest. This
Kelly $500, andwill
Sally $200. An arrow pointing towards the data has a label that says, "This column is sorted from la
00, 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 the
L+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.

Next
his column is sorted from largest to smallest..."
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 pie to a better position, and2then at the top of the window, click3the Chart Design tab (ALT+JC). Then click Change
In cell C11, type a Now right-click any of Select one of the cells
descriptive title like the numbers and with numbers. Then
Cells B12 through C15 contains Data. The Data has four rows: Kelly $500, Dave $650, Brian $1,100, and Sally $200.
"April 2019 Sales." choose Sort > Sort on the Insert tab,
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Largest to Smallest. click the Pie button:

And then the first 2D

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

Previous
Q), and select the first 2D pie option.
of the cells 4 clickMove
n tab (ALT+JC). Then Changethe pie to a
Colors (H) to pick a different set of colors for the chart.
rs. Then better position, and
,100, and Sally $200.
rt tab, then at the top of the
RL+PAGE UP.
button: window, click the
Chart Design tab.
Then click Change
Colors to pick a
e first 2D 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
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. Below better. One
the pie chart listsway to doBria
four names: th
TRY THIS: Right-click any slice, and choose Add Data Labels (ALT+JC+D). Now you can see the exact values for each slice.
directly label the slices using data labels. Read how to do this under "Try this," below.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

April 2019 Sales

Brian Dave Kelly Sally

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
 irectly label the slices using data labels. Read how to do this under "Try this", below.
etter.
he One
pie chart listsway to doBrian,
four names: thatDave,
is toKelly, and Sally.
exact values for each slice.
der "Try this," below.
RL+PAGE UP.

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

April 2019 Sales

$200

$500
$1,100

$650

Brian Dave Kelly Sally

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
y can also show each category, which makes a legend unnecessary.
values,
$650, $500,asand
shown below.
$200. Below Butchart
the pie theylists four names: Brian, Dave, Kelly, and Sally.
he Category name checkbox. And below that, set the Separator to (New line). Now right-click the legend and delete it, since it's not neede
the steps below.
RL+PAGE UP.

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
elete it, 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: Brian you already
$1,100, know
Dave $650, the tota
Kelly $500, and
TRY THIS: Right-click a slice and choose Format Data Labels. In the pane that appears, click Percentage. Since adding the perce
you just need to see the percentage for each slice. Try it out yourself...
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.

April 2019 Sales

Sally
$200

Kelly
$500
Brian
$1,100

Dave
$650

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
ou just need to see the percentage for each slice. Try it out below!
ou already
,100, know
Dave $650, the total,
Kelly $500, and
and Sally $200.
rcentage. Since adding the percentages makes the labels crowded, go ahead uncheck the Value checkbox.
rself...
RL+PAGE UP.

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 n
Here's
A picture of aapietip:
chartUse
titled:color to Sales.
April 2019 emphasize and
The pie chart de-emphasize
is sliced slices.
into four slices: Brian $1,100,This
Daveis useful
$650, Kelly when th
$500, and
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
is on a PowerPoint slide, and you need the audience to focus on one of the slices.

April 2019 Sales

Sally
$200

Kelly
$500
Brian
$1,100

Dave
$650

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
 on a PowerPoint slide, and you need the audience to focus on one of the slices.
es.
,100,This
Daveis useful
$650, Kelly when the
$500, and chart
Sally $200. All the slices are de-emphasized by the color gray except for the slice, Dave $650, which is em
RL+PAGE UP.
one of the slices.

Next
ce, Dave $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 buc
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
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 3DataNow select a slice. To
Point pane, click the Fill icon, and then chan
slices below, and Series pane, under do this, click an
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
choose Format Data Fill, and choose a empty area of a slice,
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Series. gray for the Color but don't select a
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

Sally
$200

Kelly
$500
Brian
$1,100

Dave
$650

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
ze slices
a Series pane, click the Paint bucket icon.

ou'll know you've selected a slice when three handles appear on the corners of the slice.
, click the Fill icon,4and then
a slice. To Right-click the
change the Color option to an orange, green, or some color that stands out.
k an selected slice, and
,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200. Each slice is color coded to emphasize and de-emphasize the slices.
of a slice, choose Format Data
RL+PAGE UP.
lect a Point. In the Format
Data Point pane,
click the Fill icon, and
you've then change the
ice when Color option to an
es appear orange, green, or
ers of the 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 aanother tip:intoConsider
pie chart sliced creating
four slices: $1,100, a $500,
$650, 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.
doughnut easier to compare than the slices of a pie 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
$1,10
$1,100

$650
$650

Previous
 April 2019 Sales
Brian $1,100
Dave $650
Kelly $500
Sally $200
doughnut easier to compare than the slices of a pie chart.
Some people find the arcs of a
RL+PAGE UP.

Doughnut chart

$200

$500
$1,100

$650

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 Cate
1 made
4. We the total circle below. Now2
Click inside the data
something for you to do: Right-click3it and choose Bring to Front (ALT+P+AF). Then dra
Move the chart if you Now right-click any
below Then on the need to. Then right- arc, and choose Add
Cells B17 through C21 contains Data. The Data is titled: April 2019 Sales. There are four rows of data: Brian $1,100, Dave $650
Insert tab, click the click any arc, and Data Labels. Then
A picture of a yellow total circle with a description inside: Total: $2,450
Pie button, and then choose Format Data right-click an arc and
To continue with
click thethis tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE
Doughnut DOWN.
Series. For To go to the previous sheet,
Doughnut pressFormat
choose CTRL+PAGE
Data UP.
option: 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

Previous
 My 2019 Expenses
Housing $2,500
Transportation $1,200
Food $800
Clothing $200
en select the Doughnut option.
Doughnut Hole Size, type in 50%.
rmat Data Labels. Select the Category Name checkbox. For Separator, choose (New Line). Delete the legend.
lick any 4 Then
ng to Front (ALT+P+AF). We made the total
drag it inside the doughnut chart.
ose Add circle below. Now
of data: Brian $1,100, Dave $650, Kelly $500, and Sally $200.
s. Then something for you to
n arc and do: Right-click it and
RL+PAGE
mat Data UP. choose Bring to
ct the Front. Then drag it
ame inside the donut
or chart.
choose
Delete 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 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
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Sal;
Ja- $20 Zane; $200
son; 0
Tim $30
Sally North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Ely ; 0
North campus B2B Moe North campus B2C Jill $20
Kelly Brian 0
North campus B2C Mindy North campus B2C Jason
South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal Jill; $500
South campus B2B Zane South campus B2C Greg
Dave South campus B2C Jeff South campus B2C Mike
East campus B2B Lars East campus B2B Abby
Mo Ely; $80
East campus B2B Carly East campus B2C Daren e;
East campus B2C Karl East campus B2C Joseph $60
West campus B2B Dave West campus B2B Hal 0
West campus B2B Oliver West campus B2C Phil
West campus B2C Quinn West campus B2C Coco

Previous
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 cam B2B 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 cam B2B 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
e'll explain these problems and how to solve them.
amples. In the next few
B2B Moe, North campus B2C Mindy, South campus B2B Tim, South campus B2B Zane, South campus B2C Jeff, East campus B2B Lars, Nort
, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.

Sal;
Ja- $20 Zane; $200 Greg; $100
son; 0
Tim $30
; 0
$20
0

Jill; $500 Joe; $2,200

Mo Ely; $800
e;
$60
0

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
East campus B2B Lars, North campus B2B Ely, North campus B2C Jill, North campus B2C Jason, South campus B2B Sal, South campus B2C G
2B 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 genera
First ofproblem
A picture to be
a 3D, color coded pieaware of:into
chart sliced 3Dfour
pie charts
slices: can
Joy, Ivy, distort
Dan, 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 i
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Ben
Ben $200
Joy Joy
Dan Dan $800
$500

Ivy
Ivy $700

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

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

Joy
$800

Ivy
$700

add data labels, Joy's slice is

gest. Use 2D charts and you'll
the distortion 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 pie
is color charts.
coded If you're
and sliced into ten ever in this
slices: Joe situation,
$2,200, co
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
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.

Problem: This pie chart has many slices, Solution: Use a column chart, and compa
and it's hard to compare them. values is much easier.

May 2020 Sales May 2020 Sales

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

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

e a column chart, and comparing the

values is much easier.

ay 2020 Sales

Mindy Jason
$300 $300 Tim Sal Zane
$200 $200 $200 Greg
$100

Next
makes it hard to compare the data.
inting towards the column chart has a label that says, "Solution: Use a column chart, and comparing the values is much easier."
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 o
1 the
4. Select
Click the border of 2 Design
pie chart, and go to the Chart
Select Column on the 3 axisThis
tab (ALT+JC). Toggle vertical
column chart
with the command (A+X+V) and (A+X+H) to
the chart below to left, and then click works pretty well, but
A picture of a pie chart titled: May 2020 Sales. The pie chart is color coded and is sliced into ten slices: Joe $2,200, Ely $800, M
select it. Then on the OK. we don't need the
However, there are too many slices. The labels and the slices are too close together which makes it hard to compare the data.
Chart Design tab at vertical and horizontal
the top of the axes, since we already
To continue with this
window, tutorial,
click Change press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet,
havepress
dataCTRL+PAGE
labels on UP.
Chart Type. the columns...

May 2020 Sales

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

Previous
 May 2020 Sales
Joe $2,200
Ely $800
Moe $600
Jill $500
Mindy $300
Jason $300
Tim $200
Sal $200
Zane $200
Greg $100
art
of the window (ALT+JC), select Change Chart Type (C).
the enter key.
ce we already have data labels on the columns…
chart
ommand (A+X+V) and 4 (A+X+H)
Right-click the vertical
to toggle the horizontal axis.
y well, but axis on the left. (It's
en slices: Joe $2,200, Ely $800, Moe $600, Jill $500, Mindy $300, Jason $300, Tim $200, Sal $200, Zane $200, Greg $100.
ed the the one that on the
akes it hard to compare the data.
horizontal very left that starts
we already with $2,500 at the top
RL+PAGE
bels on UP. and goes down to
s... $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, "Wha
Another
A pie chart titled:problem: PieThis
June 2020 Sales. slices areis color
pie chart too coded
similar.
and isWhen this
sliced into fivehappens, people
slices: Moe, Mind, might
Jill, Joe, start lo
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 anythin
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.
Problem: These slices are so similar, it's Solution: Change the pie to another chart
hard to identify anything useful. For like a bar chart. That way you can see who's
example: Who's the leading sales rep? in the lead now: Moe!

June 2020 Sales June 2020 Sales

Ely Ely $400

Moe
Joe $450

Joe Jill $500

Mindy Mindy $55

Jill Moe

Previous
 June 2020 Sales
Moe $600
Mindy $550
Jill $500
Joe $450
Ely $400
 the room wondering, "What's the key takeaway here?"
people might
ind, Jill, Joe, start looking
and Ely.
it's hard to identify anything useful. For example: Who's the leading sales rep?"
$550, and Moe, $600.
other chart like a bar chart. That way you can see who's in the lead now: Moe!"

ge the pie to another chart

That way you can see who's
lead 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, then A+X+H).
Click the border of Select Bar on the left, 3 This bar needs some
(The horizontal axis is the one that starts w
the chart below to and then click OK. clean up. Right-click
A picture of a color coded pie chart titled: June 2020 Sales. This pie chart is color coded and is sliced into five slices: Moe, Mind
select it. Then on the one of the bars, and
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Chart Design tab at select Format Data
the top of the Labels. Now select
window, click Change the Value checkbox.
Chart Type. Then uncheck the
Category Name
checkbox.

June 2020 Sales

Ely
Moe

Joe

Mindy

Jill

Previous
 June 2020 Sales
Moe $600
Mindy $550
Jill $500
Joe $450
Ely $400
d toggle data labels (A+D+N).
ds some
ontal axis is the one4 thatNow
startsright-click
with 0 andthe
ends with 700).
ght-click horizontal axis on
sliced into five slices: Moe, Mindy, Jill, Joe, and Ely.
bars, and the bottom and click
RL+PAGE UP.
at Data Delete. (The
w select horizontal axis is the
heckbox. one that starts with 0
ck the and ends with 700.
ame

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

2018 2019 2020

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

Roses Tulips
Roses Tulips Irises Irises

Previous
 tty difficult for some people to compare all the pies and slices.
e sheet
lso can
has three work
rows: okay,
Roses, Tulips,but
and Irises.
nd Roses 7%.
nd Roses 25%.
nd Roses 54%.
pie charts, that visualize each year. But it's hard to compare each and every slice. A better choice is to use a column chart, which we'll exp
rts, that visualize each year. But it's hard
slice. A better choice is to use a column
ll explain on the next sheet...

2019 2020

2% 25% 20%

32% 27% 54%

oses Tulips Roses Tulips

ses Irises

Next
lumn 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 op
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 tog
4. To1set the chart title, go to Chart Design
2 (ALT+JC), add chart element (A), 3
Chart title (C), and select (A) for title4above 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 E16 contains data. The data has three columns: 2018, 2019, and 2020. The sata also has three rows: Roses, T
then on the Insert icon: need to. Then, right-
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
tab, click this button: click one of the gray
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
 2019 Sales
Jo $310
Bill $305
Cyril $302
Tim $300
Frank $299
Emma $290
Jeff $286
Eli $268
Kim $260
sert column or bar chart option (C1).

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

ct (A) for title4aboveClick Chart Title, and
chart. Now you are focused on the title cell and can type, Flower Sales.
then delete the text in
also has three rows: Roses, Tulips, and Irises.
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
Another
Cells B12 throughproblem:
E36 containsYou have
data. The datahierarchical
has four columns:data.
Campus,AType,
pieRep,chart
and can
Weektry to visualize
1 Sales. this,
The data also bur
has 25
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 tries to make a pie chart with this data, but
To continue with this data,
tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. Toone Excel
go to the previous triespress
sheet, to make a pie chart
CTRL+PAGE UP.with this data, but tha
In this it's almost like we ...and
slices and an enormous legend! On the next sheet, y
have three category columns... value column.
how a sunburst chart works better for this da

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 North campus B2B Joe North campus B2B Eli North cam
West campus B2B Ivy $60 North campus B2C Jan North campus B2C Jim North cam
Hal $30 South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal South cam
Joy $100 South campus B2C Guy South campus B2C Zeb South cam
East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv East camp
B2C Liz $30
East campus B2C Abe East campus B2C Les East camp
Tia $120 West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal West cam
Zoe $60 West campus B2C Liz West campus B2C Tia West cam

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

Week 1 Sales

orth campus B2B Eli North campus B2B Moe

orth campus B2C Jim North campus B2C Jay
uth campus B2B Sal South campus B2B Zed
uth campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
st campus B2B Liv East campus B2B Lex
st campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
est campus B2B Hal West campus B2B Joy
est campus B2C Tia West campus B2C Zoe

Next
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 i
AB12
Cells sunburst
through E36chart can
contains visualize
data. The data hashierarchical data.Type,
four columns: Campus, It's Rep,
likeand
theWeek
outside
1 Sales.ring is aalso
The data donut
has 25ch
r
A bracket grouping cells B12 through D12 has a label that says, "This sunburst chart uses these three columns for the three inn
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 go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
This sunburst chart uses these ...and uses this Here's an example of how to read this cha
three columns for the three column for the "In the West campus, of all B2C sales, Tia is
inner rings... outer ring. biggest seller followed by Zoe and Liz."

Campus Type Rep Week 1 Sales This chart isn't available in your version of Excel.
North campus B2B Joe $30 Editing this shape or saving this workbook into a differe
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
different sized arcs, and the inner rings visualize the underlying hierarchy.
de ring
Sales. is aalso
The data donut
has 25chart with with different sections.
rows, labeled
ee columns for the three inner rings…"
archy.
ed 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 rea

mple of how to read this chart:

mpus, of all B2C sales, Tia is the
er followed by Zoe and Liz."

your version of Excel.

g this workbook into a different file

eak the chart.

Next
'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.""
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 opti
1stepClick
4. Do 1 again, but this time change 2
the border of On the left, click
to the Treemap chart. Now each campus3 has Now right-click any
a color, and the boxes represent the sale
the pie chart below to Sunburst, and then data label, and click
Cells B13 through E37 contains data. The data has four columns: Campus, Type, Rep, and Week 1 Sales. The data also has 25 r
select it. Then on the OK. When the chart Format Data Labels.
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
Chart Design tab at has changed, right- Then, select both the
To continuethewith
top this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE
of the DOWN.
click Toand
any arc, go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE
Category Name and UP.
window, click Change choose Add Data
Chart Type. Labels. Value checkbox.

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 camp
North campus B2C Jan North campus B2C Jim North camp
Hal $30
South campus B2B Tim South campus B2B Sal South camp
Joy $100 South campus B2C Guy South campus B2C Zeb South camp
B2C Liz $30 East campus B2B Taj East campus B2B Liv East campus
Tia $120 East campus B2C Abe East campus B2C Les East campus
Zoe $60 West campus B2B Ivy West campus B2B Hal West campu
West campus B2C Liz West campus B2C Tia West campu

Previous
hart
the chart has changed, select the chart, and toggle Data Labels (ALT+JC, then A+D).
(D+M) for more data label options. Select both the Category Name and Value checkbox.
4 Do
and the boxes represent thestep 1 again, but
sales for each rep.
this time change to
k 1 Sales. The data also has 25 rows, labeled with different sections.
the Treemap chart.
ur slices. The labels for all the slices are listed below the pie chart.
Now you can see that
RL+PAGE UP. each campus has a
color, and the boxes
represent the sales
for each rep.

Week 1 Sales

North campus B2B Eli North campus B2B Moe

North campus B2C Jim North campus B2C Jay
South campus B2B Sal South campus B2B Zed
South campus B2C Zeb South campus B2C Cat
East campus B2B Liv East campus B2B Lex
East campus B2C Les East campus B2C Ann
West campus B2B Hal West campus B2B Joy
West campus B2C Tia 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 s
One
Cells last thing
B12 through before
D21 contains data.you
Therego: Sometimes
are three you might
columns: Month, Rep, and have dataarethat
Sales. There nineisn'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
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 summari
Cells K12 through L16 contains data. The data has two columns: Row Labels (with a drop down menu) and Sum of Sales. The d
Thispointing
An arrow data is not summarized
towards the datayet.
hasWe reallythat says, "With every PivotChart, comes a PIvotTable, which sums up the sale
a label ...To do that, we made a PivotChart. But how did it
need each
To continue withrep's
this sales summed
tutorial, press up, and eachDOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
CTRL+PAGE summarize each rep's sales?
sum represented in a pie chart...

Month Rep Sales

Jan Joe $60 Total
Jan Eric $20
Jan Milly $30
Feb Joe $15 $120
Eric
Feb Eric $50 Joe
Feb Milly $30 Milly
$325
Mar Joe $60 Total Result
$135
Mar Eric $50
Mar Milly $10
$70

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

Rep Sum of Sales

Eric $120
Joe $135
Milly $70
Eric
Total Result $325
Joe
Milly
Total Result

Next
otal 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
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 the 2
Click anywhere in the In the Create 3 Type
Design tab (ALT+JC), select Change Chart
In the PivotTable
(C), and choose the 2D pie chart option
data below, and then PivotChart dialog Fields pane on the
When the pie chart appears, select the chart again and toggle Data Labels (ALT+JC, then A+D).
on the Insert tab, box, click Existing right, click the
Cells B18 through D27 contains data. The data has three columns: Month, rep, and Sales. The data also has ten rows that cons
click PivotChart. Worksheet, and in checkboxes for Rep
the Location box, and Sales. Then move
type F18. Click OK. 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
tChart (SZ+C).
pe F18. Select ok press the enter key to confirm.
hart into a better position.
d choose the 2D pie4chartClick
tTable the border of
option.
on the the chart to select it.
he Then at the top of the
data also has ten rows that consists of the data information.
for Rep window, click the
Then move Design tab. Then click
to a better 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

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 Analyze Data through it all.
feature on the
Home tab.

Learn more Learn more Learn more Learn more

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