How to Make a Pie Chart From Your Data

When a pie chart is the right choice

Use a pie chart for parts of one total, such as budget categories, survey responses, or traffic sources for one period. Every slice should use the same unit and the values should represent the complete set you want readers to compare. A pie chart is weak for trends over time, negative values, overlapping groups, or many similarly sized categories.

Prepare the source data

Create one row per category with a label and numeric value, for example Direct,42. Remove blank and duplicate categories, decide how to handle missing values, and confirm that percentages use the same denominator. The ToolZone chart maker accepts raw values, so they do not have to add to 100.

Make a pie chart online

1. Open the Chart Maker.
2. Paste each category as a label,value row.
3. Choose Pie or Donut from the chart-type menu.
4. Add a direct title and select two base colors.
5. Download PNG for a bitmap or SVG for scalable artwork.

The chart is rendered locally in your browser. Inspect the preview before exporting because long labels and too many slices reduce readability.

Keep the chart readable

• Limit the display to a small number of important categories.
• Combine tiny categories into an honest "Other" slice when appropriate.
• Use a clear title that names the population and period.
• Avoid similar colors for adjacent slices.
• Include the underlying values in surrounding text or a table.

Pie, donut, bar, or line?

A donut chart creates room for a central label but has the same comparison limits as a pie. A bar chart is usually better when exact differences matter or category names are long. A line chart is best for a continuous sequence such as dates. Choose the form that makes the comparison easiest, not the one with the most visual novelty.