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Bernard K

How to create a donut chart in Tableau (using multiple map layers)

how to create donut chart in tableau using multiple map layers

Introduction

A donut chart is a circular data visualization that is a variation of a pie chart, characterized by a hole in the center. This design allows for a more modern and appealing presentation of data, making it easier to convey information compactly while also providing space for additional details in the center (such as total of all slices).

Donut chart best practices

  • Do not use donut chart for dimensions with more than three categories.

  • Avoid donut chart if goal is to help user make fine distinctions.

  • Always label the chart clearly.

  • Provide additional details on the tooltips.

Example of a donut chart

example of a donut chart created in tableau

How to create a donut chart using multiple map layers

First create the chart place holder inform of a geographic calculation as shown below.

place holder calculation
  • Drag the calculation Place holder to the details shelf.

  • Change the marks card to Pie.

  • Drag the dimension of interest to the Color shelf (in this case Category).

  • Drag the measure field of interest to the Angle shelf (in this case Sales).

  • Resize the view under the Size shelf.

sample pie chart in tableau

Add a new layer to the view by dragging the calculation Place holder to the Marks Layer. (Note, the marks layer appears when you drag a geographic field to the view).

adding marks layer in tableau
  • Change the marks card of the new layer to Pie.

  • Resize the new layer by increasing its size.

  • Change the color to background color of your view (in this case white).

configuring the donut chart through formatting

Lastly remove all map background layers.

removing background layers

Note: This same technique can be used to create filled maps with donut charts instead of pie charts as shown below.

create filled map with donut charts

Conclusion

Next time you need to show proportion of total using a donut chart try the ideas shared in this article by leveraging map layers to visualize your data.

Note: Ideas shared in this article are applicable in Tableau 2020.4 or later versions.

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About Me

More About the Author

Bernard K

Analytics Consultant | 3X Tableau Certified

Bernard is a data analytics consultant helping businesses reveal the true power of their data and bring clarity to their reporting dashboards. He loves building things and sharing knowledge on how to build dashboards that drive better outcomes.

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