Pie Chart vs. Donut Chart in Power BI

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Both Pie Charts and Donut Charts in Power BI are used to display the proportion of categories within a whole. However, they have key differences:

1. Structure & Design

? Pie Chart

• A traditional circular chart divided into slices.
• Each slice represents a proportion of the total.
• Takes more space visually.

? Donut Chart

• Similar to a pie chart but with a hole in the center.
• The center space can be used for additional data or labels.
• More compact and better for multiple comparisons.

2. When to Use?

?? Use a Pie Chart When:

? You have a small number of categories (3-5) to avoid clutter.

? Precise slice size comparison is needed.

? Space is not a major concern.

?? Use a Donut Chart When:

? You want a more modern and clean look.

? You need to display multiple series in a layered format.

? You want to use the center area for additional insights (e.g., total value, percentage).

3. Best Practices

?? Avoid too many slices—limit categories to 5 or fewer for clarity.

?? Use labels and percentages to enhance readability.

?? Use consistent colors to avoid confusion.

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