A pie chart, also known as a circular diagram, is a graphical representation commonly used to illustrate data in proportions or percentage distributions. It consists of a circle divided into sectors or proportions, where each sector represents the size of a specific category or element. The size of each sector corresponds to the part or percentage of the value of that category in the overall context.
Pie charts are extremely useful for presenting complex information in a simple and easy-to-understand manner, especially when comparing data distribution in different categories or providing an overview of the contribution of individual elements to a total. They can be created online for various purposes, such as financial reports, survey results, market studies, or presentations.
When is a Pie Chart Used?
Pie charts are used in situations where data needs to be presented in percentages or fractions, and the total quantity or value is known. One common use is to show the market share of different products or services, making it easy to see which product or service has the largest share. Similarly, pie charts can be used to illustrate the distribution of survey data or the composition of employees in a company by departments.
Pie charts also help visualize statistical data to show frequency distributions. In research and science, pie charts are used to display the percentage distribution of characteristics or categories. In businesses, this type of chart can help show the distribution of product sales, survey values, or employee composition.
How to Create a Pie Chart?
Creating a pie chart is easy and only requires basic mathematical knowledge and calculations. The chart creation functions in Miro make the process even easier and allow you to add your data directly. Here are the steps to create a pie chart:
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Collect the data: First, gather the data you want to graphically represent. Make sure you have all the data you want to use for the chart.
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Choose the template: With Miro, you can simply select the pie chart template from the library. Add the template to your board.
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Insert the data: Paste the data into the pie chart. At this point, you will save time on calculations, as the chart automatically adjusts to the entered data.
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Label the actions: Label each action with the name of the category or element it represents. If necessary, add the percentage distribution or exact values.
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Adjust the pie chart: If there are particularly important or interesting proportions that need to be highlighted, you can increase their size or use different colors. Create a legend to explain the meaning of the colors or sectors. Don't forget to give the pie chart a meaningful title and indicate the source of the data.
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Share it: Share the finished pie chart with your team by sharing the link to the board. Alternatively, use the chart in your presentation to visually display important data.
Best Practices for Pie Charts
When creating pie charts, it is advisable to follow some best practices to improve readability and accuracy:
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Limit the number of proportions: Having too many different proportions in the pie chart can lead to confusion and make it difficult to compare the data. Select the most important categories and group elements with less data into a single category, such as "Others."
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Arrange proportions sensibly: Place the actions in a way that is easy to read and compare. A common arrangement is to sort them by size, starting with the largest action in a clockwise direction.
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Avoid overlapping: Make sure the action labels do not overlap and are easy to read. If necessary, you can use lines or arrows to connect the labels with the corresponding actions.
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Avoid misleading representations: Pie charts should accurately and correctly represent the data. Avoid using three-dimensional effects or distorted proportions, as they can distort the representation.
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Add additional information: Sometimes, pie charts alone may not convey all the necessary information. If necessary, supplement them with additional text, online tables, or other diagrams to clarify the context and meaning of the data.
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Choose appropriate colors: Use easily distinguishable colors to differentiate the sectors from each other. If necessary, you can also use patterns or textures to make the presentation clearer. You can also use your brand's colors to make the chart suitable for presentations.
Examples of Pie Charts
Pie charts have many uses in different fields and businesses. Here are some examples of using this chart:
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Distribution of sales by products: A company can use a pie chart to visualize the distribution of sales by products. Each part represents a product or product category, while the size of the parts shows the percentage contribution of each product to total sales. This allows the company to quickly identify which products account for the majority of sales and which products may need optimization to strengthen the overall business.
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Survey results: If you are conducting a company-wide survey, a pie chart can help you map the different opinions. The percentage distribution shows which options receive the most support. You can also conduct a survey among customers to see which products they use the most.
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Company composition: A company can use a pie chart to show the composition of employees based on different characteristics. For example, a pie chart can display the distribution of employees by gender, department, or educational level. This allows management to review diversity within the company and take action to promote inclusion and growth when necessary.
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Marketing channel: A marketing team can use a pie chart to analyze the effectiveness of different marketing channels. Each sector represents a channel, such as social media, paid media, email marketing, or print advertising. The costs of different channels can also be represented to better plan the marketing budget. This allows the team to see which channels are generating more revenue and where adjustments may be needed in the marketing strategy.
Create a Pie Chart with Miro
In general, pie charts offer a simple and effective way to present data in percentages and convey complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. With Miro's versatile features, you can easily create your own pie chart online and clearly represent the relevant data.