Donut chart | Chart Library | Datylon

Donut chart

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What is a donut chart?

 
Alternative name: Doughnut chart
 
A donut chart visualizes a part-to-whole relationship. It shows how the data is divided into categories with a certain value (the slices), but it always keeps the link between the value of one category and the total sum of those categories (the donut). This means that the slices should add up to a logical sum. If the data is in percentages, the total should round up to a hundred. If the data is in absolute values, for example in euros, the categories should form a meaningful total. 
 

This relative approach of comparing a part to a whole is key to understanding how to use a donut chart. If the focus of the visualization is on comparing values accurately between categories, it’s better to use another chart type.

An example of a donut chart design
 

A donut chart works best with only a few categories, otherwise, the chart becomes an unreadable clutter. It is also very suitable when one category is very big or very small compared to the other categories. But if the differences between the categories and thus between the slices are small and not easily recognizable, another chart - for example a bar chart - is much better suited.

 

The data-ink ratio of a donut chart is better than that of a pie chart and the data is depicted by the length of the sectors, rather than the surface, which is easier to interpret. Another advantage of a donut chart is that the space in the center can be used to add a title or a significant value derived from the data. This can be done by using a Datylon text object. 

Variations of donut charts

The charts below are variations on a donut chart. To learn how to make them with Datylon, check out the pie chart user documentation in the Datylon Help Center.
A pie chart is one of the variations on a donut chart
A pie chart is one of the variations on a donut chart

Pie chart

This is, of course, the full version of a donut chart and its predecessor. Technically, the only visual difference is the absence of the empty hole in the middle of the pie chart. While the donut chart communicates the data through sector area, in the pie chart the angle could also be a reference.

A semi circle pie or donut chart is a good alternative to a pie chart
A semi circle pie or donut chart is a good alternative to a pie chart

Semicircle pie/donut chart

This chart operates similarly to a standard pie or donut chart, except that the combined values of all categories form a semicircle instead of a complete circle. It can serve as a foundation for creating a gauge chart by using the slices to show progress or by adding a pointer.

A nightingale chart does not communicate a part-to-whole relationship
A nightingale chart does not communicate a part-to-whole relationship

Nightingale chart

This chart is visually very similar to a pie chart, but a Nightingale chart does not communicate a part-to-whole relationship. Instead, it compares values between categories like a bar chart does, just in a radial form. Famously named after its inventor, Florence Nightingale.

Alternatives for a donut chart

Substitute your donut chart if any of the charts below when you want a visual alternative that still shows a part-to-whole relationship at a certain point in time.
A 100% stacked bar chart is a good alternative for a pie chart
A 100% stacked bar chart is a good alternative for a pie chart

100% Stacked bar chart

Instead of using slices, the 100% stacked bar chart (1 series) uses rectangles to draw the categories. This way, it’s easier to compare the size of the categories with each other.

A treemap is a good alternative for a pie chart
A treemap is a good alternative for a pie chart

Treemap

A treemap consists of a square or a rectangle that is proportionally divided into other rectangles, representing the categories. The size of the shapes represents the values.

An icon array is a good alternative for a pie chart
An icon array is a good alternative for a pie chart

Icon array

You can use icon arrays to communicate a part-to-whole relation by dividing a fixed amount of icons into groups and giving color and/or shape to each category.

Pro tips for designing a donut chart

Learn how to improve the readability and visual appeal of your donut chart
A donut chart has different coloring options

Coloring

There are different ways to color a donut chart. When using a legend, you can color categorically: every slice gets a distinct color and equals one category, but the hue of the colors needs to be different enough to easily switch your view from legend to donut chart. You can also give all slices the same color. That way only the size of the slice communicates the data. This results in a calmer and balanced look. Or you can double encode the values by coloring the donut numerically: the value of the slice drives the saturation of the color.

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Sort your donut chart slices starting at 12 o'clock

Sorting

Sorting your slices in ascending or descending order and starting them at 12 o’clock might help the user to read the data. There is no real scientific proof for this but it is the natural way we read a clock and it also results in a calmer design.

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You can apply a categorical label to your donut chart directly or via a legend

Labeling

You can apply a categorical label directly or via a legend. In general, direct labeling is preferred. That way your eyes don’t have to go back and forth between slice and legend. (Our tool offers a lot of direct label options to optimize the placement of the labels.) However, if your donut chart is colored categorically and the space around the donut is too small, using a legend is a perfect way to make the donut chart design calmer. Value labels are usually applied directly to the slices.

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Apply data point styling to a certain slice in your donut chart

Data-point styling

You can emphasize a viewpoint or an analysis angle by applying data point styling to a certain slice. Differentiating the color, the label styling, and the size of a slice attracts the attention of the viewer to the point you want to highlight. Attention: be aware that some data point styling options, like increasing the radius of a slice or pulling the slice out of the donut can distort the translation of the data.

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Create a rest category so you can still use a donut chart

Rest category

If your data contains a ton of categories, there is still a way you can use a donut chart. If the data allows it, and if it suits the message you are trying to convey, you can combine all small categories into one ‘other’ category and label it as such. This does not work for all datasets. Ideally, the ‘rest’ category is not bigger than the next to last category and the total number of categories is not much bigger than 5.

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Create your own donut chart

Join Datylon for free and get started online or download our Datylon for Illustrator plug-in with a 14-day trial. Connect with a Datylon expert for a demo session.

Donut chart examples & inspiration

Scroll and click on the images below to find inspiration samples of donut charts. With your Datylon account, you can use these designs, customize them and update them with new data. Or start designing your very own donut chart!

Discover more charts in our Chart Library

Learn more about the different types of charts and graphs you can design with Datylon. Discover other resource pages in our Datylon Chart Library.