When should I use a pie chart?

Simple 2-3 part breakdowns ● When familiarity matters more than precision

When should I avoid a pie chart?

More than 5 slices ● When precise comparison matters ● Multiple pie comparison

What are common mistakes with pie charts?

Too many slices ● 3D effects ● Exploded slices distort angles ● Sorting slices by category instead of by size

Composition

Pie Chart

A circle divided into slices. Familiar but less precise than bar charts.

Top Operating Systems

Global desktop usage 2025

View data (3 rows)

Chart data table: Top Operating Systems
Users	OS
70	Windows
18	macOS
12	Other

Make a pie chart with your data

Use a pie chart when…

Simple 2-3 part breakdowns
When familiarity matters more than precision

Avoid when…

More than 5 slices
When precise comparison matters
Multiple pie comparison

Data it needs

Property	Value
Min Rows	2
Min Columns	2
Column Types	stringnumber

Visual anatomy

Marks

arc

Channels

anglecolor-hue

Axes

Guiding principles

PerceptionThe Encoding Hierarchy
Perceptual ranking favors position > length > angle/area; pies trade accuracy for familiarity

Consider instead

Donut Chart

Hollow center for labels

Bar Chart

For precise comparison

Common mistakes

Too many slices
3D effects
Exploded slices distort angles
Sorting slices by category instead of by size

History

William Playfair, Statistical Breviary, 1801.

Accessibility notes

Provide percentage values as text. Use patterns alongside color.

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