When to use a donut chart

[Ehsanuls55]

Donut charts are a great visualization tool, but they aren't always the best fit for every data visualization. Knowing when to use one can help make your data clearer and more engaging.

Below are some scenarios where a donut chart is the best way to represent data:

Comparing parts to a whole
Donut charts show how different parts contribute to a complete data set.

Example

If the market share of several companies is shown, each donut segment represents compliance directors email list the share of one company. The chart makes clear the space each competitor occupies in the market without overwhelming the viewer with numbers.

This visual comparison helps the audience quickly understand proportions.

Highlight key categories
A drill-down donut chart is especially effective for highlighting specific data points .

Example

Let's say you're presenting company expenses and you want to draw attention to marketing costs. By slightly "exploding" the marketing segment outside of the donut, you can visually highlight it, making sure that viewers notice it immediately.

Exploded Donut Chart

It is especially useful in presentations where specific data points need to be highlighted without getting lost.

Focus on visual appeal
Sometimes data needs to be presented in an informative and aesthetically pleasing way. Donut charts offer a sleek and modern look for infographics or digital presentations.
Example

A nonprofit can use a donut chart to show how its donations are distributed: one section for administrative expenses, another for programs, etc. The hollow center can display a vital number or icon, enhancing the chart's visual appeal and keeping the focus on the data.