When should I trim the number of values?
Too many points overwhelm viewers. Keep x-axis labels readable and rumble the data into summary points when possible.
What Is a Doughnut?
This chart turns structured data into a visual pattern that is faster to scan than a raw table.
Use it when the reader should understand shape, comparison, distribution, proportion, or movement quickly.
Start With the Raw Data
Most charts begin with a small, structured table before the visual layer is added:
| Label | Value A | Value B |
|---|---|---|
| Example 1 | 24 | 31 |
| Example 2 | 30 | 28 |
| Example 3 | 18 | 36 |
The raw values stay the same, but the visual structure makes patterns easier to spot: highs, lows, clusters, gaps, and unusual changes.
What This Chart Helps You See
Business reporting
Operational monitoring
Decision support
Common Ways to Use a Doughnut
- Explain a business dataset more clearly than a plain table.
- Show comparison, trend, distribution, or relationships depending on the chart type.
- Support dashboards, reports, SEO articles, and stakeholder presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use the Live Example Below
Change the editable cells in the live example and save to see how the chart responds.
The Modern Choice for KPIs
Doughnut charts are functionally identical to pie charts, but the hole in the center gives them a cleaner, more modern look. This extra space can also be used to display a "Total" value or a main KPI, making them very popular in executive dashboards and mobile reporting applications.
Live Demo: Editable Segment Data
Instructions: Modify the values in the grid below. The doughnut segments will automatically rebalance to show the new percentage distribution.
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Why Choose a Doughnut Chart?
- It feels less "heavy" than a solid pie chart.
- The center hole provides a perfect spot for summary text.
- Great for showing data that adds up to 100%.
Need Modern Reporting Dashboards?
I am a developer and if you want to modernize your company's data presentation, I can help. I design and build dashboards that are not only accurate but also visually engaging for stakeholders.