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Tableau Tutorial

Pie Chart

What is a Pie Chart?

A pie chart displays data as slices of a circle, where each slice represents a category’s proportion of the whole. It is ideal for showing the relative sizes of different categories within a total.

How to Read Pie Charts

To interpret a pie chart:

  • Slice Size: Each slice’s size represents the proportion of the category.
  • Order of Slices: Arrange slices from largest to smallest for clarity.
  • Colors: Ensure that slice colors match the legend for easy identification.

What Type of Analysis Do Pie Charts Support?

Pie charts are suitable for:

  • Proportional Analysis: Showing how each category contributes to the whole.
  • Highlighting Dominant Categories: Making it easy to see which category has the largest share.

When and How to Use Pie Charts for Visual Analysis

Best Practices:

  • Limit Slices: Use no more than 5-6 slices to avoid clutter.
  • Order Slices: Arrange from largest to smallest for better readability.
  • Direct Labels: Attach labels to slices for immediate context.

Common Mistakes:

  • Too Many Slices: Can make the chart confusing and hard to interpret.
  • 3D Effects: Distorts perception and can mislead the viewer.
  • Overuse of Legends: Makes it harder to quickly understand the chart.

Steps to Create a Pie Chart:

  1. Connect to Data:
    • Connect to your dataset, which could include categories and corresponding sales data.
  2. Drag Fields to the View:
    • Drag the Category field to the Columns shelf.
    • Drag the Sales field to the Rows shelf.
  3. Convert to Pie Chart:
    • On the Marks card, select Pie from the dropdown menu.
  4. Customize the Pie Chart:
    • Drag the Category field to the Color option on the Marks card to differentiate the slices by category.
    • Drag the Sales field to the Angle option to represent the size of each slice accurately.
    • You can also add labels by dragging the Category field to the Label option on the Marks card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if my pie chart has too many categories?

A: If there are too many slices, consider using a bar chart or stacked bar chart instead, which can handle more categories more effectively.

Q: How can I avoid misleading viewers with a pie chart?

A: Ensure that slices represent accurate proportions and avoid 3D effects that can distort the visual perception of the data.

Q: Is it okay to use a pie chart for data with negative values?

A: No, pie charts are not suitable for negative values or data that does not sum to a whole. Consider using a bar or line chart for such data.