How to Create a Donut Chart in Excel: Visual Guide for Beginners

I still remember the first time I watched a spreadsheet turn into a visual story. That donut chart revealed patterns my raw data never could.

Excel makes this shockingly simple once you know the trick. You’ll start with basic pie chart data, then hollow out the center with one formatting tweak. No complex formulas, no add-ons needed.

In under 5 minutes, you can transform dry numbers into a clean, professional visualization that highlights proportions at a glance. The method works in any modern Excel version.

Between you and me, this is the chart I reach for when I need to show parts of a whole without the clutter of a pie.

What Youll Need

Instructions

Transform your data into a donut chart quickly and cleanly with these steps.

Open Excel and enter your data in a simple table format. I always place category names in the first column and their corresponding values in the second. Don’t leave empty rows or columns in your data range—this can cause the chart to misinterpret your information.

For example, if you’re tracking market share, list the companies in column A and their percentages in column B. Verify that the total of your values equals 100% if you want a complete donut. This prevents gaps in your visualization.

Select all the cells containing your data, including both the category labels and their values. Navigate to the Insert tab on the ribbon, then click the Insert Pie or Doughnut Chart button in the Charts group.

From the dropdown menu, choose Doughnut under the Doughnut Chart section. Excel will create a basic doughnut chart using your selected data. At this point, it will look like a complete circle without the center hole that defines a donut chart.

Click on the chart to select it, then look for the Chart Design tab that appears on the ribbon. Click Add Chart Element and ensure Data Labels are enabled if you want percentages displayed. To create the donut effect, you need to adjust the hole size.

Right-click on the chart and select Format Data Series. In the panel that appears, look for the Series Options (the paint bucket icon). Drag the Doughnut Hole Size slider to the right until you achieve your desired look—I typically set it to around 40-50% for a balanced donut appearance.

With the chart still selected, use the Chart Design tab to apply a different color scheme from the Chart Styles group. I prefer the monochromatic styles for professional presentations, but the choice depends on your audience and purpose.

To add a title, click Chart Title under Add Chart Element and position it above the chart. For data labels, right-click on any label and select Format Data Labels to adjust position, font size, or number formatting. Set labels to show Percentage and place them Inside End for the cleanest look.

Click on individual slices to adjust their colors if needed. To highlight a specific category, right-click a slice and select Format Data Point, then choose a contrasting color. This draws attention to key data points without overwhelming the viewer.

Finally, verify that all data is correctly represented. Each slice should correspond to its category, and the sum should visually complete the donut. If something looks off, double-check your original data for errors or missing values. Save your file to preserve the chart for future reference.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Here are some things I wish I knew when I first started making these charts.

Data Structure Tip: In Step 1, make sure your data table has no blank rows or columns between the category names and values. I learned the hard way that Excel will include empty cells in the chart, which creates confusing gaps in your donut. Always double-check your selection before inserting the chart.

Hole Size Secret: When you get to Step 3, don’t just eyeball the doughnut hole size. The 40-50% range I mentioned is ideal for most presentations, but if your chart has many small slices, try increasing to 60% to make each segment more visible. Right-click the chart and use the exact slider in Series Options for precision.

Label Placement: For Step 4, if your data labels look crowded inside the slices, try placing them at the Center position instead of Inside End. This works particularly well when you have a smaller number of categories. The Chart Design tab makes this adjustment quick and easy.

Verification Hack: In Step 5, here’s what nobody tells you—rotate your chart by clicking and dragging the donut itself. This helps you spot any misaligned slices or labeling issues from different angles before finalizing your presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creating a donut chart in Excel is simple once you know the steps! With just a few clicks, you can turn raw data into a visually appealing graph. Now that you’ve mastered the basics, try customizing colors and labels to make your chart stand out even more. Happy charting! 📊✨