Making a pie chart in Excel 2013 is a straightforward process. First, you’ll need to have your data organized in a table. Then, you’ll select the data you want to include in the chart, go to the ‘Insert’ tab, click on the ‘Pie’ chart icon, and choose the style of pie chart you prefer. After that, you can customize your chart with various formatting options to make it look exactly how you want it.
After you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have a pie chart that visually represents your data. This can be particularly useful for presentations, reports, or just to better understand the distribution of your data.
Introduction
Pie charts are a staple in the world of data visualization. They’re simple, they’re clear, and they’re great for showing how different parts make up a whole. Whether you’re presenting data in a business meeting, working on a school project, or just trying to make sense of your personal budget, a pie chart can be an incredibly useful tool.
But why Excel 2013, you ask? Well, it’s a commonly used platform that strikes a balance between complexity and accessibility. While newer versions of Excel have more features, Excel 2013 still has everything you need to create a professional-looking pie chart. This guide is perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who wants to learn how to visually represent their data using Excel 2013. So, let’s dive in and learn the ins and outs of pie chart creation!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Make a Pie Chart in Excel 2013
The following steps will guide you through the process of creating a pie chart in Excel 2013.
Step 1: Organize Your Data
Before creating a pie chart, make sure your data is organized in a table.
Organizing your data is crucial. Each row should represent a different category, and there should be a corresponding value in the next column. Ensure that there are no blank rows or columns within the range of data you plan to use for your chart.
Step 2: Select Your Data
Click and drag to select the data you want to include in your pie chart.
Make sure to include both the category names and their corresponding values. If you include the column headers, Excel will use them as labels for your pie chart, which can be helpful.
Step 3: Insert the Pie Chart
Go to the ‘Insert’ tab, click on the ‘Pie’ chart icon, and choose the style of pie chart you prefer.
There are several styles to choose from, including 2-D pie charts and 3-D pie charts. Pick the one that best fits your needs.
Step 4: Customize Your Chart
Customize your chart with various formatting options to make it look exactly how you want it.
You can change the chart title, adjust the colors, add labels, and more. To access these options, click on the chart, and a new set of ‘Chart Tools’ tabs will appear at the top of Excel.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Easy to Understand | Pie charts are very intuitive. Even those new to data visualization can quickly grasp the relationship between the parts and the whole. |
| Visually Appealing | A well-designed pie chart can be more engaging than a table full of numbers. Colors and labels help to highlight the important parts of the data. |
| Good for Small Data Sets | Pie charts work best with a limited number of categories, making them ideal for small data sets where you want to emphasize the composition. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Not for Complex Data | Pie charts can become cluttered and confusing when there are too many categories or the data is too complex. |
| Can Mislead | If not properly labeled or if the slices are too similar in size, a pie chart can sometimes give a misleading representation of the data. |
| Comparing Data is Difficult | It’s hard to compare the size of pie chart slices accurately, especially when they are close in size. |
Additional Information
When making a pie chart in Excel 2013, there are a few additional things to keep in mind. First, consider whether a pie chart is the best option for your data. Pie charts are great for showing proportionate parts of a whole, but if you’re trying to show trends over time or compare multiple data sets, a different type of chart may be more effective.
It’s also worth noting that while Excel 2013 offers a solid range of customization options for pie charts, you may sometimes need to get creative to make your chart stand out. For example, you can play around with the ‘Format Data Series’ options to adjust the angle of the first slice, which can give your chart a unique look.
Another tip is to highlight one particular slice of the pie chart to draw attention to it. You can do this by clicking on the slice and dragging it away from the center of the chart. This technique, called ‘exploding’ a slice, can be helpful when you want to emphasize a specific part of your data.
Summary
- Organize your data in a table.
- Select the data to be included in the chart.
- Go to the ‘Insert’ tab and choose a pie chart style.
- Customize the chart with formatting options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a pie chart with multiple data series in Excel 2013?
Yes, you can create a multi-level pie chart, also known as a donut chart, to display multiple data series.
How can I change the color of individual slices in my pie chart?
Click on the slice you want to change, then use the ‘Format Data Point’ options to select a new fill color.
Is it possible to add percentages to the labels on my pie chart?
Absolutely! When adding labels, you can choose to display category names, percentages, or both.
Can I change the size of my pie chart?
Yes, simply click on the chart and drag the handles to resize it according to your preference.
How do I save my pie chart as an image?
Right-click on the chart, select ‘Save as Picture,’ and choose your desired image format.
Conclusion
Pie charts are a fantastic tool for breaking down data into digestible, visual portions. Excel 2013, while not the latest version, provides robust features that allow anyone to turn numbers into art. Remember, the key to an effective pie chart lies not just in the creation but also in the presentation.
The data should be clear, the chart visually appealing, and the message easily understandable. Whether for professional or personal use, mastering how to make a pie chart in Excel 2013 is a skill that will undoubtedly come in handy. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your data come to life in a whole new way!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.