How to Make a Pie Chart in Excel with Percentages

Creating a pie chart in Excel is a great way to visualize data and make complex information more understandable. When it comes to displaying percentages, you need to take some extra steps to ensure that your chart accurately reflects the data. In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating a pie chart in Excel with percentages.

Step 1: Select Your Data

The first step is to select the data you want to use for your pie chart. For example, let's say you have a table showing the income tax types in the consolidated budget for 2015. You can select the entire table, including the names of the columns and the values.

Step 2: Go to the Insert Tab

Next, go to the 'Insert' tab in the ribbon and click on the 'Charts' group. From there, choose the simple 'Pie' chart option.

Step 3: Customize Your Chart

Once you've inserted your pie chart, you'll need to customize it to display percentages correctly. To do this, right-click on the chart and select the 'Format Data Labels' option.

In the dialog box that appears, uncheck the 'Value' option and check the 'Percentage' option instead. This will ensure that your chart displays the percentage values accurately.

Step 4: Format Your Labels

To format your labels, you can use the 'Number' subgroup in the 'LABEL OPTIONS' menu. From there, select the common format for percentages and make sure it has at least one decimal place.

You can also use the 'Format Code' field to specify how many decimal places you want to display. For example, if you want to display percentages with two decimal places, you can enter '0.00%'.

Step 5: Add Data Labels

To add data labels to your pie chart, go back to the 'Insert' tab and click on the 'Add Data Labels' option.

In the dialog box that appears, select the second column of your table as the source for the data labels. This will display the percentage values next to each segment of the circle.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating pie charts with percentages:

* Use the 'Best Fit' option to optimize the size of your chart.

* Choose from different options for displaying signatures on the chart, such as 'Outside End', 'Inside End', or 'Center'.

* Use the 'Format Code' field to specify how many decimal places you want to display.

* Make sure to uncheck the 'Value' option and check the 'Percentage' option in the 'LABEL OPTIONS' menu.

Creating a pie chart in Excel with percentages is a simple process that requires some careful customization. By following these steps, you can create an accurate and informative chart that helps you visualize your data effectively. Whether you're analyzing income tax types or any other type of data, a well-designed pie chart can help you make sense of complex information and communicate your findings clearly to others.

How to make a pie chart in excel with percentages