How to Make a Donut Chart for Stunning Images

[jrineakter]

Creating clear and engaging visuals is crucial to presenting data effectively, and one of the best ways to do this is by using a donut chart.

It is a powerful tool for visualizing information, which offers a sleek, modern twist on the traditional pie chart.

Let's see how to create a donut chart that simplifies data and improves storytelling.

What is a donut chart?
A doughnut chart, also called a donut graph, displays data as proportional segments of a disk with a hollow center, similar to a doughnut.

When looking at a pie chart, it's easy to misinterpret the size of each slice as a representation of the entire pie.

Instead of presenting categories as afghanistan number data slices, donut graphics use arcs, which adds clarity. While the central gap may seem like a design choice at first, it helps viewers avoid confusion about the area of ​​each section.

Plus, they are easy to create and have a modern appeal, making them stand out among other graphic visualization techniques .


There are several types of donut charts, each of which has a specific purpose depending on the data being presented. Here are some of the most common types of donut charts:

A simple donut chart
It features a ring divided into segments, each of which represents a piece of data. The purpose is to show how the different parts compare to the whole, while keeping the design clean and visually appealing.

The center of the ring is usually blank, although labels or additional information are sometimes added.

Exploded donut graphic
On the other hand, a drill-down donut chart goes a step further. It is a more advanced version of the simple donut chart, designed to highlight specific segments.

This chart extracts one or more segments from the center, making those parts stand out. This type of chart is useful for highlighting specific categories or showing hierarchical relationships in data.

Parts of the chart that "pop" visually naturally draw the viewer's attention to the most important sections.

Nested Donut Chart
Also known as a multilevel or concentric donut chart, it features multiple rings. Each ring represents a different level of data, allowing for a more hierarchical visualization of information.

This type of chart is useful when you want to show relationships or breakdowns within categories.

Stacked Donut Chart
In this chart, each segment of the donut is further divided into sub-segments that represent different parts of the same category.

This type is useful for showing how different components contribute to a whole.

Donut chart with label
Some donut charts incorporate labels or values ​​inside or outside the segments to provide additional context, improving readability and interpretation.

When to use a donut chart
Donut charts are a great visualization tool, but they aren't always the best fit for every data visualization. Knowing when to use one can help make your data clearer and more engaging.

Below are some scenarios where a donut chart is the best way to represent data:

Comparing parts to a whole
Donut charts show how different parts contribute to a complete data set.


If the market share of several companies is shown, each donut segment represents the share of one company. The chart makes clear the space each competitor occupies in the market without overwhelming the viewer with numbers.

This visual comparison helps the audience quickly understand proportions.

Highlight key categories
A drill-down donut chart is especially effective for highlighting specific data points .



Let's say you're presenting company expenses and you want to draw attention to marketing costs. By slightly "exploding" the marketing segment outside of the donut, you can visually highlight it, making sure that viewers notice it immediately.

Exploded Donut Chart

It is especially useful in presentations where specific data points need to be highlighted without getting lost.

Focus on visual appeal
Sometimes data needs to be presented in an informative and aesthetically pleasing way. Donut charts offer a sleek and modern look for infographics or digital presentations.


A nonprofit can use a donut chart to show how its donations are distributed: one section for administrative expenses, another for programs, etc. The hollow center can display a vital number or icon, enhancing the chart's visual appeal and keeping the focus on the data.

Avoid confusion
Pie charts can lead to misinterpretation because viewers tend to focus on the area of ​​each slice rather than the value it represents. Doughnut charts help eliminate this problem by focusing attention on the length of each arc, making it easier to compare values.


The donut chart layout helps viewers understand the breakdown of time spent on different activities in a project without being distracted by the total area of ​​each segment.

The hollow center minimizes confusion, allowing for more accurate data comparison.

Simplifying complex data
Donut charts can simplify complicated data sets. They help reduce clutter by focusing on essential categories without overwhelming the audience with excessive detail.