Pie and doughnut charts in Excel - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a pie chart used for in Excel?

A pie chart shows how parts make up a whole. It displays data as slices of a circle, where each slice represents a category's proportion.

beginner

How does a doughnut chart differ from a pie chart?

A doughnut chart is like a pie chart but with a hole in the center. It can show multiple data series as rings, making it easier to compare groups.

beginner

How do you create a pie chart in Excel?

Select your data including labels and values, then go to Insert > Charts > Pie Chart. Choose the style you want and Excel will draw the chart.

beginner

What is the purpose of data labels in pie and doughnut charts?

Data labels show the value or percentage for each slice or ring segment. They help you understand the exact size of each part.

beginner

Why should you avoid using too many slices in a pie chart?

Too many slices make the chart hard to read and understand. It’s better to group small categories or use other chart types for clarity.

What does each slice in a pie chart represent?

A A data label

B A part of the whole data

C A separate chart

D A chart title

Each slice shows a part of the total data, representing a category's share.

Which Excel menu do you use to insert a pie chart?

A Review > Comments

B Data > Sort

C Formulas > Functions

D Insert > Charts

Pie charts are inserted from the Insert menu under Charts.

What is a key visual difference between a pie chart and a doughnut chart?

A Pie chart shows lines

B Pie chart has multiple rings

C Doughnut chart has a hole in the center

D Doughnut chart uses bars

Doughnut charts have a hole in the center, unlike pie charts.

Why add data labels to pie or doughnut charts?

A To show exact values or percentages

B To change chart colors

C To add a chart title

D To sort the data

Data labels display the value or percentage for each slice or segment.

What happens if you use too many slices in a pie chart?

A The chart becomes hard to read

B The chart updates automatically

C The chart changes to a bar chart

D The chart adds a legend

Too many slices clutter the chart and make it confusing.

Explain how to create and customize a pie chart in Excel.

Think about the steps from selecting data to final touches.

Describe the differences and uses of pie charts versus doughnut charts.

Focus on visual differences and when to use each chart.