20.9. Data Visualization with Graphs and Tables: Representing Proportions with Pie Charts

Data visualization is a crucial step in analyzing information as it makes it easier to understand and communicate complex insights through visual representations. In Google Sheets, one of the most powerful tools for this purpose is the pie chart, which offers an effective way to display proportions and percentages relative to a whole.

What is a Pie Chart?

A pie chart, also known as a pie chart, is a graphical representation that divides a circle into slices to illustrate numerical proportion. Each slice of the pie chart represents a category of data, and the size of each slice is proportional to the amount it represents in relation to the total.

Why use Pie Charts?

Pie charts are particularly useful when you want to highlight parts of a set in relation to the whole. They are ideal for showing how different segments make up a percentage of 100%, making them perfect for categorical data where each category is mutually exclusive and there is no overlap.

Creating a Pie Chart in Google Sheets

To create a pie chart in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

1. Enter your data into a spreadsheet, organizing it into two columns: one for the categories and another for the corresponding values.
2. Select the data you want to include in the chart.
3. Go to the "Insert" menu and choose "Chart."
4. In the chart editor window that appears, select "Pie Chart" from the list of chart types.
5. Adjust settings as needed, such as adding a title to the chart, formatting slices, and displaying labels and percentages.
6. Click "Insert" to add the pie chart to your spreadsheet.

Advanced Customization

After creating a basic pie chart, you may want to customize it further to meet your specific needs. Google Sheets offers several customization options such as:

• Change colors: You can change the colors of the slices to improve the distinction between categories.
• Highlight a slice: Click on a specific slice and drag it away from the center of the chart to emphasize that category.
• Add data labels: Enable the display of values ​​or percentages on each slice to provide additional information to viewers.
• Modify the legend: Adjust the position and style of the legend to improve the readability of the chart.

Considerations When Using Pie Charts

Although pie charts are popular, they have limitations and should be used with caution. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Number of Categories: Pie charts work best with a limited number of categories. Too many slices can make the graph confusing and difficult to read.
• Comparing Slices: It can be challenging to visually compare the size of slices, especially when they are similar in size. In these cases, other types of charts, such as bar charts, may be more effective.
• Slice size: The perception of the proportion of the slices can be distorted, especially if the graph is not well designed or if the slices are very small.

Alternatives to Pie Chart

When a pie chart isn't the best option, consider alternatives like:

• Bar Charts: Allow direct comparisons between categories and are best for representing data with many categories or close values.
• Doughnut Charts: Similar to pie charts, but with an empty space in the middle, which can help differentiate the slices.
• Area Charts: Useful for showing the proportion of components over time, where the sum of all areas corresponds to the total.

Conclusion

Pie charts are a valuable data visualization tool in Google Sheets, offering a simple and effective way to represent ratios and percentages. With the customization options available, you can create graphics that not only convey information clearly but also visually attract your audience. However, it is important to use pie charts appropriately and consider alternatives when they are not the best choice for your data.