Chart Pattern · Reference

Donut Chart

Parts of a whole · 4–6 segments · center number

Revenue by product line

Six product lines summing to total · center shows total · biggest slice highlighted in green

✓ When to use

  • Showing parts of a single whole with 4–6 segments
  • You want a clear headline number in the center
  • Composition matters more than precise comparison

✗ Avoid when

  • More than 7 segments — slices become unreadable
  • Comparing two distributions — use 100% stacked bar
  • Precise comparison between similar slices needed — use a bar chart

★ Best practice

  • Cap at 5–6 segments; lump tiny ones into "Other"
  • Use the donut hole for the headline number (total)
  • Highlight one slice (the largest, or the focal one) — mute the rest
  • Sort slices by size, biggest at 12 o'clock going clockwise