Help Topics

Understanding the Pie Chart Options


The pie chart is one of the more commonly used chart types. You can use the following options to control pie chart appearance:

Note

The pie chart displays can total slightly more or less than 100%. Additionally, 0% items can appear when the percentage is between .5% and 1%. This display of 0% items is due to the rounding performed by the charting software.

Grouping Small Values

The Group small values option allows the combination of smaller values into a single value. When several small values are included in a pie chart, it can become crowded and difficult to read. By combining some of the very small values, the pie chart is easier to use.

To group small values:

  1. Select Chart > Options... from the menu bar.
    The Chart Options dialog appears.
  2. Under the Pie Charts section, select the Group small values check box.
  3. Click the OK button to close the dialog box and implement the changes.
    The application updates to reflect the changes.

When you click the Apply button the changes are implemented but the dialog box remains open.

Beginning Grouping at (0-10%)

The Begin grouping at (0-10%) option determines the point at which grouping starts in the pie chart. Grouping can be begin at any point between 0 and 10%. Starting grouping at 0% performs the same action as disabling this option.

To begin grouping at a point:

  1. Select Chart > Options... from the menu bar.
    The Chart Options dialog appears.
  2. Under the Pie charts section in the Begin grouping at (0-10%) text box, type in a number from 0% to 10%.
    The number must be in decimal format.
  3. Click the OK button to close the dialog box and implement the changes.
    The application updates to reflect the changes.

When you click the Apply button the changes are implemented but the dialog box remains open.


Related Topics: