Everything you need to know about pie charts — from their origins to modern best practices for displaying proportional data.
A pie chart is a circular statistical graphic divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportions. Each slice represents a category, and its arc length, central angle, and area are all proportional to the quantity it represents. The entire circle equals 100 percent of the data, making pie charts one of the most intuitive ways to show how individual parts contribute to a whole. They are commonly used in business reports, academic research, journalism, and everyday presentations because most people can interpret them at a glance without any statistical training.
The pie chart was invented by Scottish engineer William Playfair in 1801. Playfair used it to show the proportions of the Turkish Empire located across three continents. Over the next two centuries, pie charts became a staple of statistical graphics, appearing in newspapers, textbooks, and government reports. Florence Nightingale famously adapted the concept into polar area diagrams in 1858 to illustrate causes of mortality during the Crimean War. Today, pie charts remain one of the most widely used chart types in digital dashboards, slide decks, and infographics worldwide.
The classic circular chart divided into slices. Best for showing 2 to 6 categories where one or two slices clearly dominate.
A pie chart with a hollow center. The empty space can display a total value or label, and it is often considered more modern in appearance.
One or more slices are pulled away from the center to draw attention. Useful for emphasizing a single category in presentations.
Adds a three-dimensional perspective to the chart. While visually striking, the tilt can distort perceived proportions, so use with caution.
Use the interactive editor below to create your own pie chart. Customize colors, labels, and export to any format.