Creating a Pie Chart for Beginners
A pie chart is a simple visual tool that can help anyone from an elementary school student to an adult working on a marketing proposal display information, facts and data or statistics. The main goal of a pie chart is to illustrate how parts or pieces of the pie (i.e., individual pieces of data) compare to or fit in a whole sum. Beginners can create easy-to-make pie charts using basic arts and crafts materials or even a free computer graphing program.
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Things You'll Need
- Poster board
- Markers
- Paper plate or circle template
- Ruler
- Computer with Internet access
- Color printer
- Printer paper
Instructions
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Handmade Chart
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1
Place a paper plate or similarly sized circle template onto an 11-by-17-inch or other large piece of poster board. Trace the outside of the plate or circle with a marker.
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2
Divide the circle into pie pieces in sizes that correspond to your specific data. Use a ruler and a marker to make straight lines. Illustrate a very basic example such as 50 percent and 50 percent by dividing the circle directly in half. If you have three pieces of data, such as 50 percent, 25 percent and 25 percent, divide the circle in half and then divide one half in half again.
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3
Color code your pie pieces. Choose a specific color for each component or piece of data. Assign one different color for each piece of the pie.
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4
Use markers to label your chart with a title and assign number/percentage values to each piece of the pie.
Computer-Made Charts
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5
Visit an online graph-making site such as the National Center for Education Statistics' Kids' Zone Create A Graph or the Math Warehouse's Make A Pie Chart (see Resources).
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Click on the link for Pie Charts.
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Enter your data and create labels as needed.
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8
Review your chart for accuracy. Select the print option. Print to a color printer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are printing a pie chart on your computer, select the proper color and paper settings for your printer. For a more finished look you may want to try a thick or glossy surface paper that requires a special setting.
Mount your pie chart on a large piece of colorful cardboard for a quality display.
If you are using a computer program to create your pie chart, make sure to assess any fees first. Although most are free, some may charge you to use their programs.
Every pie chart-making website is slightly different. Always follow the site's specific instructions for use.
Write all letters and numbers large enough to see from a few feet back. All writing should be at least three inches tall or larger.
Avoid light or overly bright/fluorescent colors. This may not show well during a presentation, or may cause visual confusion.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
