How to Show Percentages in an Excel Pie Chart: 3 Methods

Reviewed by Rafiul Haq

Last updated: May 30, 2024

Below, we have the population percentages by major ethnic groups in Southern California. We have created a pie chart using this data and added percentages.

You can add percentages to your pie chart using Chart Styles, Format Data Labels, and Quick Layout features.

Method 1 – Using the Chart Styles Feature

Stages:

Click on the pie chart.
Go to the Chart Design tab > Chart Styles group.
Select the style 3 or 8.

This command shows the percentages for each of the parts of your pie chart.

Note: All the options in the Chart Style group will show percentages if you select them after clicking Style 3 or Style 8.

Method 2 – Applying Format Data Labels

a) Using the Chart Elements Option

The Chart Elements button is the “Plus” (+) sign at the top right corner of a chart that shows available chart element options.

Stages:

Click on the pie chart > Chart Elements button > Data Labels checkbox.
Click the right arrow sign at the right of the Data Labels.
Select More Options from the dropdown menu.
In the Format Data Labels panel:
1. Go to the Label Options tab > Label Options
2. Put a checkmark on Percentage.

Excel will show the percentage in the pie chart.

Note: If you select the Value option along with the Percentage option, the pie chart shows the actual value for each segment in the data along with its percentage portion.