Donut chart

Definition

A donut chart is a circular data visualization that resembles a pie chart but has a hole in the center, allowing for better display of information and facilitating comparison between different data categories. It is often used to show proportions of a whole, making it easy to visualize relative sizes and contributions of different segments. The hole in the middle can also be used to display additional information or metrics, enhancing its utility in data storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Donut charts are effective for visualizing data with several categories, making it easy for viewers to compare sizes visually.
2. They can help reduce clutter by allowing for additional text or graphics in the center, which pie charts cannot do.
3. While donut charts can be appealing, they may lead to misinterpretation if not properly labeled with clear data values or percentages.
4. The thickness of the donut can affect readability; thicker rings can make it easier to distinguish segments while still being visually appealing.
5. They are often preferred over pie charts in dashboards and presentations because they provide more context without overwhelming viewers.

Review Questions

• How does a donut chart enhance data visualization compared to traditional pie charts?
  • A donut chart enhances data visualization by providing a central hole that allows for additional context or metrics to be displayed, which cannot be done with traditional pie charts. This feature helps reduce visual clutter while maintaining an attractive design. Additionally, the open center can improve the overall readability of the data by giving viewers a clearer focus on the segments surrounding it.
• What are some best practices for creating an effective donut chart that communicates data clearly?
  • To create an effective donut chart, it's essential to ensure that each segment is clearly labeled with data values or percentages, which helps prevent misinterpretation. Additionally, using contrasting colors for different segments enhances visibility and makes comparisons easier. It's also helpful to keep the number of categories limited, as too many segments can make the chart confusing. Finally, considering the thickness of the donut can improve readability while maintaining visual appeal.
• Evaluate the potential drawbacks of using a donut chart for data presentation and how they can impact audience interpretation.
  • While donut charts can be visually appealing and useful for comparing parts of a whole, they also have potential drawbacks that can impact audience interpretation. One significant issue is that viewers may struggle to gauge the exact size of segments since it’s harder to compare angles than lengths. Additionally, if too many categories are included, the chart can become cluttered and confusing. If not properly labeled with clear data points or percentages, audiences might misinterpret the information presented. Thus, careful consideration must be given to design choices when using donut charts.

Related terms

Pie Chart:

A pie chart is a circular statistical graphic divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportions, similar to a donut chart but without the central hole.

Data Labels: Data labels are text annotations added to data visualizations, providing specific information about each segment, such as category names and values.

Percentage: A percentage is a dimensionless number expressed as a fraction of 100, commonly used in charts to convey the relative size of each segment compared to the whole.