When to Use a Doughnut Chart Instead of a Pie Chart

What Is a Doughnut Chart?

A doughnut chart is similar to a pie chart in that it displays data in a circular format, with segments representing different categories. The key difference is that doughnut charts have a blank center, creating a ring-like shape. This empty center space allows for additional features, such as including labels or other visual information, and can make the chart cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing, especially when dealing with a larger number of categories.

What Is a Pie Chart?

A pie chart is a circular graph divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportions. Each slice represents a category, and its size is proportional to the value it represents. Pie charts are typically used to show the percentage or proportion of a whole and are most effective when dealing with a small number of categories (ideally between 2-6).

When to Use a Doughnut Chart

Doughnut charts are not always the best option, but they are particularly effective in the following situations:

• When you want to add additional context in the center: The empty center of a doughnut chart provides space for additional visual elements, such as total values, percentages, or other informative markers. This can be particularly useful when you want to present a quick overview of the data without cluttering the chart.
• When you need to compare multiple sets of data: Doughnut charts work well when you need to compare data from multiple categories, particularly if you want to show proportions for each segment alongside overall totals. This is because the center of the doughnut chart can hold a central percentage or value to enhance the comparison.
• For aesthetic appeal: Doughnut charts are often preferred for their visual appeal, especially when used in design-heavy contexts like marketing or presentations. The space in the middle can be used for a logo or another creative element to make the chart more visually engaging.
• When the data has more than 6 categories: Unlike pie charts, which can become difficult to read when there are too many slices, doughnut charts can better accommodate multiple categories. The empty center helps avoid the clutter that typically arises from having too many slices in a pie chart.

When NOT to Use a Doughnut Chart

While doughnut charts have their advantages, there are also cases where they might not be the best option:

• When you need to show precise values: Doughnut charts are less effective than bar or column charts when you need to compare exact values between categories. The circular format makes it harder to accurately judge the exact size of each segment, especially if the differences between categories are subtle.
• When showing a small number of categories: If you have just a few categories, a pie chart may be a better choice. Pie charts are simpler and easier to read for small datasets, while doughnut charts can add unnecessary complexity when only a few slices are involved.
• When displaying trends over time: Doughnut charts do not work well for representing trends or changes over time. For such data, a line chart or bar chart would be more appropriate.

Benefits of Doughnut Charts Over Pie Charts

Here are some of the main benefits of using doughnut charts over pie charts:

• Central space for additional information: The empty center can be used for annotations, percentages, or even a key metric, which can help simplify the data presentation.
• Better for multiple data sets: Doughnut charts can handle more categories while keeping the chart clear and organized. The empty center space makes the chart look less cluttered even when there are many segments.
• Improved visual design: Doughnut charts often appear cleaner and more modern than pie charts, making them a popular choice for web design and data visualizations aimed at a broader audience.
• Better for comparisons: Doughnut charts are better suited for comparing data that is presented as parts of a whole when there are more than 5-6 categories. The space in the center can help highlight key insights.

When to Choose a Doughnut Chart Over a Pie Chart

Choosing a doughnut chart over a pie chart depends on several factors:

• Number of categories: If you have more than 6 categories, a doughnut chart is typically a better option. It can handle more data points while remaining visually clear.
• Adding additional context: If you need to display additional information in the center, such as a percentage or total value, a doughnut chart allows you to do this effectively.
• Design considerations: If the visual appeal of your data is important, doughnut charts often provide a more polished, modern look. The space in the middle allows for creative use of color and design elements.
• Clearer comparison: For data that requires comparison of proportions and you have multiple categories, doughnut charts make it easier to highlight key differences and proportions with a less cluttered visual.

Example: Doughnut Chart vs. Pie Chart

Imagine you have data showing the market share of four different companies. You might use a pie chart for a quick, simple presentation if there are just four categories. However, if you have more than six companies and you want to display the total market share in the center, a doughnut chart would be a better choice. The doughnut chart would allow you to add the total market share percentage in the center while also showing the market share distribution for each company around the ring.

Best Practices for Using Doughnut Charts

To create effective doughnut charts, follow these best practices:

• Limit the number of slices: Keep the number of slices manageable—no more than 7 or 8. Too many slices can make the chart cluttered and hard to interpret.
• Use contrasting colors: Each slice should have a distinct color to ensure clarity and prevent confusion.
• Provide clear labels: Each segment should be clearly labeled with the category name and percentage or value, allowing your audience to understand the chart at a glance.
• Label the center: If possible, use the center space for an overall percentage or total value, providing additional context and making the chart more informative.
• Consider other chart types: If you need to display trends, changes over time, or specific comparisons, consider other chart types like line or bar charts that may provide more precise information.

Conclusion

While doughnut charts and pie charts may look similar, they have distinct uses in data visualization. Doughnut charts are best for visualizing proportional data with more than 6 categories, providing a cleaner, more visually appealing chart with space for additional context in the center. Pie charts are simpler and more effective for smaller datasets and basic proportion comparison. By understanding the differences between the two, you can choose the right chart type for your data and create more effective and engaging visualizations.