How to make a pie chart in Excel
Pie charts show parts of a single whole — share of revenue, budget split, market share. They work for a few big slices and mislead with many small ones. Here's how to build one well, and when to reach for a bar instead.
When to reach for a pie chart
Pies are right for a simple split of one total into a few clearly different parts.
Share of a whole
Budget split, revenue by channel — when parts sum to 100%.
Few big slices
Three to five categories that are clearly different sizes.
Quick & familiar
Everyone reads a pie instantly for a simple split.
How to make one in Excel
Two columns, the pie type, percentage labels — then keep the slice count down.
Use two columns
Categories and values that add up to a meaningful total.
Insert the pie
Select the data, then Insert › Charts › Pie (or Doughnut for a centre label).
Add percentages
Chart Elements (+) › Data Labels, then in label options tick Percentage.
Limit the slices
Combine tiny categories into "Other" so the chart stays readable.
Be honest about when not to use one. Pies are hard to read once you pass five slices or when the values are close — the human eye can't compare angles well. If you're tempted to add a legend with eight items, a sorted bar chart will almost always communicate the same data more clearly. Use the pie for the simple "X is most of the total" story.
The faster way — the right chart, chosen for you
A pie is fine for a simple split, but DataHub Pro also tells you when a bar would read better.
Fine for simple splits
- Insert and format the pie
- Add percentage labels
- Group small slices into Other
- Rebuild when data changes
The right chart, chosen for you
- Upload the file — it builds the share view
- Suggests a bar when a pie would mislead
- Percentages and Other handled
- Drops into a dashboard or report
FAQ
How do I make a pie chart in Excel?
Put your categories in one column and their values in the next, select both, then choose Insert › Charts › Pie. Add percentage data labels from Chart Elements to show each slice's share.
How do I show percentages on a pie chart?
Click the chart, open Chart Elements (the +), tick Data Labels, then in the label options choose Percentage. Excel calculates each slice's share of the total for you.
When should I not use a pie chart?
Avoid pies when you have more than about five categories, when values are close in size, or when you need to compare across several pies. A sorted bar chart is easier to read in all of those cases.
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The right chart for your data
Upload an Excel or CSV file and DataHub Pro builds the clearest view — and tells you when a bar beats a pie. Free to try, no card.
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