How to make a pie chart in Google Sheets

Creating an effective pie chart starts with gathering quality data, but the real impact comes from how you present that data. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making a pie chart in Google Sheets, from basic steps to advanced tips.

What is a pie chart in Google Sheets?

A pie chart in Google Sheets is a visual tool used to represent categorical data as proportional segments of a circle. It helps clearly demonstrate relationships or comparisons between different categories or groups.

Use cases for pie charts

Pie charts are ideal for:

  • Displaying survey results (e.g., favorite menu items, preferred brands)
  • Visualizing demographic breakdowns
  • Comparing market share among competitors
  • Showing budget allocations

How to make a pie chart in Google Sheets (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to make a pie chart in Google Sheets:

Step 1: Prepare your data

  • Use two columns: one for categories (e.g., Product A, Product B) and one for values (e.g., number of sales).
Displaying two columns, one for the categories and one for the values in Google Sheets
  • Ensure there are no blank cells in your data range.

Step 2: Insert the pie chart

  • Highlight your data.
Highlighting the data in Google Sheets
  • Go to the top menu and click Insert > Chart.
Clicking on the Chart option under the Insert tab on Google Sheets
  • In the Chart Editor panel that appears on the right, change the Chart Type to Pie Chart.
Changing the Chart type to Pie chart in the Chart editor on Google Sheets

Step 3: Verify and adjust data range

  • Ensure the correct range is selected in the Data range field.
  • Use the “Switch rows/columns” toggle if your data isn’t displaying correctly.
Displaying the “Switch rows/columns” toggle on Google Sheets

How to customize a pie chart in Google Sheets

Google Sheets allows you to customize your pie chart to enhance readability and visual appeal:

1. Title and labels

  • Double-click the chart title to rename it.
Renaming the pie chart on Google Sheets
  • Click the three-dot menu > Edit chart > Customize tab > Chart & axis titles.
Clicking on the Customize tab on the Chart editor on Google Sheets

2. Font and style

  • In the Customize tab, go to Chart style to change background color, border color, and font style.
Changing the Background color, border color, and font style of the pie chart on Google Sheets

3. Slice colors and labels

  • Under Pie slice, choose colors for individual slices.
Choosing colors for different slices in a pie chart on Google Sheets
  • Enable Slice label to show values, percentages, or both.
Enabling the Slice label under the Chart editor on Google Sheets

4. Legend settings

  • Navigate to Legend to change position, font, size, and format.
Viewing the Legend tab under the Chart editor on Google Sheets

How to create a pie chart with data from multiple sheets

If your data is in different sheets, use the IMPORTRANGE or ={Sheet1!A1:B5} formula to bring data into a single sheet first:

Step-by-step:

  • In a new sheet, use formulas to pull your data together.
  • Format this consolidated data into two columns (labels and values).
  • Follow the standard steps to insert a pie chart.

What are the limitations of creating pie charts in Google Sheets?

Google Sheets pie charts have certain limitations, including:

  • Limited design options: No animation or advanced formatting compared to tools like Jotform Report Builder.
  • Not ideal for complex data: Pie charts aren’t great for datasets with many small segments.
  • Static interaction: Pie charts are not as interactive as those in dedicated dashboard tools.
  • Lack of drill-down: You can’t click slices to explore deeper layers of data.

Other things to know when creating pie charts in Google Sheets

How to make a pie chart with percentages

  • Use percentage values in your data or select “Percentage” from the customize tab to display values as percentages.
Using percentage values in the pie chart data on Google Sheets

How to make a 3D pie chart

  • In chart settings, choose 3D Pie chart from the chart type options.
Choosing 3D Pie chart from the chart type options on Google Sheets

How to label a pie chart

  • Go to the customize tab under “Edit chart,” click Pie chart, then select appropriate labeling options (e.g., value, percentage, label).
Viewing the labeling options under the Customize tab on Chart editor

How to rotate a pie chart

  • In customization, under “Pie slice,” adjust the angle to rotate your chart for better emphasis.
Adjusting the angle of the pie chart on Google Sheets

How to add a title to a pie chart

  • Click your chart, select “Customize,” go to “Chart & axis titles,” and enter your desired title.
Viewing the Chart & axis titles options under the Customize tab

How to add more slices

  • Simply add additional rows of data in your Google Sheet, ensuring the data range includes the new entries.

Consider alternatives

Maybe you’ve built your Google Sheets pie chart and feel like something’s missing. If that’s the case, consider Jotform’s Report Builder and its pie chart capabilities. The Report Builder is designed to shape itself around your data presentation needs, creating visual reports in a matter of seconds.

You can design easy-to-read pie charts straight from data you’ve gathered using one of your Jotform forms and take advantage of the same customization options Google Sheets offers.

Even better, the Jotform Report Builder can display two charts on the same page if you have a lot of data to display. You’ll also be able to share your chart with anyone who needs access to it.

Put the pieces of the pie together 

A pie chart is a versatile and effective method for displaying many different types of data. And knowing how to make a pie chart in Google Sheets — or in Jotform’s built-in report-building software — is a skill worth having.

Data is only as good as the methods used to gather and analyze it. So make sure that you collect data efficiently and know how to present it effectively to your next big client.

AUTHOR
Jotform's Editorial Team is a group of dedicated professionals committed to providing valuable insights and practical tips to Jotform blog readers. Our team's expertise spans a wide range of topics, from industry-specific subjects like managing summer camps and educational institutions to essential skills in surveys, data collection methods, and document management. We also provide curated recommendations on the best software tools and resources to help streamline your workflow.

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