Progress Circle Chart in Excel as NEVER seen before!

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a stunning progress circle chart in Excel using doughnut charts. With two unique methods, you will be able to craft charts that not only present data effectively but also impress your audience with a professional look. This tutorial is suitable for Excel users of all levels.

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

To start, you need to input and organize your data correctly.

• Open Excel and create a new workbook.
• In a new sheet, list your categories and their corresponding values. For a progress circle chart, you’ll typically need:
  • A category name (e.g., "Progress")
  • A completed percentage (e.g., 75%)
  • A remaining percentage (e.g., 25%)

Example data layout:

| Category  | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Completed | 75    |
| Remaining | 25    |

Step 2: Insert a Doughnut Chart

Now that your data is prepared, it's time to create the doughnut chart.

• Highlight the data you entered.
• Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
• Click on Insert Pie or Doughnut Chart and select Doughnut.
• This will insert a basic doughnut chart into your worksheet.

Step 3: Adjust Doughnut Chart for Rounded Edges

To enhance the visual appeal of your chart, you will need to create rounded edges.

Method 1: Simple Border Adjustment

1. Click on the doughnut chart to select it.
2. Go to the Format tab.
3. Select Shape Outline and choose a color for the outline.
4. Adjust the Doughnut Hole Size to make the edges appear smoother:
   • Right-click on the doughnut chart and select Format Data Series.
   • Use the slider to set the Doughnut Hole Size to around 60%.

Method 2: Advanced Scatter Plot Technique

For perfectly rounded edges, a more complex technique can be used.

1. Create scatter plot data using trigonometric functions.
   • Calculate x and y coordinates using the following formulas:
     • For x values: =COS((ROW()-1)*2*PI()/n), where n is the total number of points.
     • For y values: =SIN((ROW()-1)*2*PI()/n).
   • Populate these formulas for a set number of points (e.g., 100).
2. Insert a scatter plot:
   • Highlight the scatter plot data and select Insert Scatter Chart.
3. Overlay the doughnut chart:
   • Right-click on the scatter plot and select Select Data.
   • Add the doughnut chart as another series.

Step 4: Customize the Chart

Once your chart is constructed, it's time to personalize it.

• Change the fill color of the doughnut segments to visually distinguish between completed and remaining portions.
• Add data labels:
  • Right-click on the doughnut segments and select Add Data Labels.
  • Format the labels to show percentages.
• Insert a text box in the center:
  • Click Insert > Text Box and place it in the center of the chart.
  • Link the text box to the percentage completed value by using a formula like =A1 (where A1 contains the percentage).

Conclusion

You have successfully created a professional-looking progress circle chart in Excel using two methods. By preparing your data, inserting and adjusting the doughnut chart, and customizing it with rounded edges and additional information, you can impress your audience with visually appealing data presentations.

For further exploration, consider trying out different color schemes or integrating additional data insights into your charts. Happy charting!