Customizing Google Sheets Pie Charts: Display Values, Not Percentages

Customizing Google Sheets Pie Charts to Show Values Instead of Percentages is a simple process that involves creating your pie chart, navigating to the chart editor, and adjusting the chart settings to display the values you want. With just a few clicks, you can enhance the readability of your pie chart by displaying actual values, which can be more informative than percentages in certain cases.

Step by Step Tutorial: Customizing Google Sheets Pie Charts to Show Values

Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming for. This guide will help you adjust your Google Sheets pie chart so that it displays actual values instead of the default percentage view. This change can make your data more accessible and easier to interpret at a glance.

Step 1: Create your pie chart

Create a pie chart in your Google Sheet by selecting your data and using the ‘Insert’ menu to add a chart.

Creating a pie chart in Google Sheets is a breeze. Just highlight the data you want to include, head to the ‘Insert’ menu, and click on ‘Chart’. Google Sheets will automatically generate a chart for you, which you can then customize.

Step 2: Open the Chart Editor

Click on the pie chart and then click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner to open the ‘Chart editor’.

Once your pie chart is in place, click on it to activate the ‘Chart editor’. You’ll find this by clicking on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the chart. This is where the magic happens, and where you’ll be making the changes to display values instead of percentages.

Step 3: Select the Customize tab

In the ‘Chart editor’, select the ‘Customize’ tab to access the chart customization options.

The ‘Customize’ tab in the ‘Chart editor’ is your playground for making your chart look just the way you want it. Here, you’ll find a variety of options to tweak your pie chart’s appearance.

Step 4: Adjust the Pie chart settings

Find the ‘Pie chart’ section in the ‘Customize’ tab and look for the ‘Slice label’ dropdown. Select ‘Value’ instead of ‘Percentage’.

In the ‘Pie chart’ section of the ‘Customize’ tab, you’ll see an option called ‘Slice label’. This is where you can choose what information is displayed on your pie chart. Click on the dropdown menu and choose ‘Value’ to show actual values on your chart.

Step 5: Save your changes

Click anywhere outside the ‘Chart editor’ to save your changes and view the updated pie chart with values.

Once you’ve selected ‘Value’ in the ‘Slice label’ dropdown, just click outside the ‘Chart editor’, and voila! Your pie chart will now display actual values instead of percentages, making it easier for you and your audience to understand the data at hand.

After completing these steps, your Google Sheets pie chart will display values rather than percentages. This change will immediately be reflected in your chart, providing a clearer and more precise representation of your data.

Tips for Customizing Google Sheets Pie Charts to Show Values

• Remember that displaying values instead of percentages can be particularly useful when dealing with small data sets or when exact numbers are more meaningful than relative sizes.
• Ensure that your data is accurate and up-to-date before creating your pie chart, as the values displayed will directly reflect the data in your spreadsheet.
• Consider whether displaying values will make your chart easier or harder to understand for your intended audience. In some cases, percentages may still be the best option.
• Use the ‘Customize’ tab to further adjust the look of your pie chart, such as changing colors or adding a legend, to make your chart even more informative and visually appealing.
• Experiment with different chart types if the pie chart doesn’t seem to be the best fit for your data. Google Sheets offers a variety of chart options to suit different types of information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I display both values and percentages on the pie chart?

Yes, you can display both values and percentages on your pie chart by selecting both options in the ‘Slice label’ dropdown menu in the ‘Customize’ tab.

Will the values update automatically if my data changes?

Absolutely. Just like percentages, the values shown on your pie chart will automatically update if you make changes to the data in your spreadsheet.

Can I customize the font size and color of the values on my pie chart?

Indeed, you can. In the ‘Chart editor’, under the ‘Customize’ tab, you’ll find options to change the font size, color, and more in the ‘Chart & axis titles’ and ‘Legend’ sections.

Can I use this method to show values on other types of charts in Google Sheets?

For sure! While this guide focuses on pie charts, the same principle applies to other chart types in Google Sheets, such as bar charts or line charts. Just look for similar options in the ‘Chart editor’.

Can I revert back to showing percentages if I change my mind?

No problem at all. To revert back to displaying percentages, simply go back to the ‘Slice label’ dropdown in the ‘Customize’ tab and select ‘Percentage’.

Summary

1. Create your pie chart.
2. Open the Chart Editor.
3. Select the Customize tab.
4. Adjust the Pie chart settings to show values.
5. Save your changes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, customizing Google Sheets Pie Charts to show values instead of percentages is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance the readability and informativeness of your data presentation. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can tailor your pie charts to better suit your needs and communicate your data more effectively. Whether you’re a student, business professional, or casual user, mastering this skill will undoubtedly add an extra layer of polish to your spreadsheets. Remember, the key to creating impactful and meaningful charts is not only in the data but also in the way you choose to present it. So go ahead, give it a try, and take your Google Sheets skills to the next level!