What is a doughnut chart?

A doughnut chart is a pie chart with the center cut out. Functionally it's nearly identical to a pie chart, but the empty center can hold a total, key KPI, or label, which makes it a favorite for modern dashboards and slide decks.

Difference from a pie chart

Both show proportions. The doughnut packs more information per chart by using the center for context.

When to use it

Device share (PC / Mobile)

A staple display in analytics dashboards.

User age breakdown

Show your audience demographic in marketing materials.

Traffic-source breakdown

Visualize the contribution of search, social, paid, and direct.

KPI attainment

Place an attainment percentage in the center to convey progress.

Tips for making one well

1. Make use of the center

Place the total, a key metric, or a title in the center to add information density without crowding the chart itself.

2. Limit to about five items, same as a pie chart

If the slices get too thin they become unreadable. Group everything outside the top 5 into "Other."

3. Tune the ring thickness (cutout)

A thinner ring feels modern and refined. A thicker ring feels closer to a pie chart and emphasizes the data more strongly.

4. Pick a base color

Using a single base color with shades from light to dark gives a unified look (e.g., shades of blue). When you want to contrast items, use complementary colors.

FAQ

As a representation of data, they're equivalent. Choose a doughnut for a modern look or to use the center for context. For a simpler, more traditional appearance, use the pie chart.

Yes. Type whatever you want (a total, a brand name, a KPI label) into the "Center text" field under "Adjust appearance" and it appears in the center. Leave it blank to auto-fill the total.

Currently single-ring only. Multi-ring is on the roadmap.

Yes. Even if you input absolute values, the chart treats the sum as 100% and computes each slice's share automatically.

Make a Doughnut Chart