Radial Chart in PowerPoint

If you’ve got data in your presentation, charts can help the audience visualize it.

There are many different charts and graphs that you can use to present your data. One of the most effective options is the radial bar chart.

In this article, we’ll cover what a radial bar chart is and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create one from scratch in PowerPoint.

What Is a Radial Bar Chart?

According to the Data Visualization Catalog:

“A Radial Bar Chart is essentially a Bar Chart plotted on a polar coordinates system, rather than on a Cartesian one.”

A radial bar chart is essentially a multilayered circle or doughnut chart. This chart evolved from a classic bar chart and can effectively visualize data, whether you’re comparing sales, production, demographics, and more.

How to Create a Radial Bar Chart

If you want your audience to visualize your data effectively, consider using a radial bar chart. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create one from scratch in PowerPoint:

I’m using PowerPoint version 16.71 on macOS. If you’re using a different system, you may experience some variations.

1. Download a Template

This tutorial uses the Bar Chart Infographic PowerPoint Template from Envato Elements. This template features a bar graph on every slide, making it a good choice for presentations with extensive data. Note that this template does not include a radial bar graph, so we will create one.

2. Add a New Slide

To add a new slide, find the side panel with all your slides. Decide where you want the new slide to appear, click between the slides until a blinking orange bar appears, signifying where the new slide will be positioned. Click on the Insert tab, then select the New Slide button to insert your new slide.

3. Add the Outer Circle

To start creating your radial bar chart, you’ll first need to draw the outer circle. Click on the Insert tab, then the Shapes button. From the shapes menu, select Oval. Your cursor will change to a drawing tool, allowing you to draw the circle where you want it.

4. Change the Color

You can customize the color of your radial chart. Click on the shape to select it, and a Shape Format tab will appear. Click on the arrow next to the Shape Fill button in the toolbar, and select your desired color from the menu.

5. Remove the Shape Border

To achieve a professional look, remove the border around your circle. Ensure the shape is selected, then go to the Shape Format tab. Next to the Shape Fill button, click the Shape Outline button, and select No Outline from the dropdown menu.

6. Edit the Shape

With your radial graph selected, click the arrow next to the Edit Shape button in the toolbar. Choose Change Shape, then select Pie from the shape menu.

To adjust the outer part of the pie chart, drag the yellow handles until you achieve your desired shape.

7. Duplicate Your Outer Shape

You can duplicate the outer body of your radial graph using one of two methods:

1. Use keyboard shortcuts: Control + C and Control + V for Windows, or Command + C and Command + V for Mac.
2. Right-click on the radial graph, select Copy, then right-click again to paste. Position the duplicate over the original pie chart to align them.

8. Rotate the Pie Chart

Next, rotate the duplicate pie chart. You can change its color if desired by clicking the rounded arrow at the top.

9. Resize the Pie Chart Copy

Separate the copied radial chart from the original. Use the yellow handles to resize it, ensuring it looks like a piece of pie but leaves a small space between the two charts.

10. Create the Inner Circle

To create the inner circle, duplicate the first circle (the purple one). Use either copying method described in the previous step. Make this inner circle slightly smaller than the original to ensure a clean look.

11. Create the Second Inner Circle

Repeat the previous step by duplicating the second outer circle (the pink one). Adjust its size and position it over the original, making it smaller for a layered effect.

12. Change the Colors of Your Chart

To enhance visibility, change the colors of your radial bar chart. Click on each section of the chart that you wish to adjust, then access the Shape Format tab and select a color from the Shape Fill menu. Repeat this for all sections.

13. Add Data Labels

With your radial bar chart complete, it’s time to label the sections. Use a rounded rectangle shape for the labels. Click the Insert tab, then the Shapes button, and select the rounded rectangle option. Draw the rectangle where you’d like the label to appear.

14. Add Text to the Labels

To add text to your labels, insert text boxes within the rounded rectangles created earlier. Click on the Insert tab, then the Text Box button, and draw your text box inside the label area. Type in your text.

15. Connect the Labels to the Chart

To visually connect your labels to the chart, draw lines between them. Click on the Insert tab, then the Shapes button, and select the Line option. Draw lines from each label to its corresponding section in the chart.

16. Change the Line Color

To ensure the lines match your chart, select each line and navigate to the Shape Format tab. Click on the Shape Outline button to choose a color from the dropdown menu.

17. Change the Line Thickness

To improve visibility, increase the thickness of the lines. Click on the line, navigate to the Shape Format tab, select the Shape Outline button, then choose the Weight option to adjust the thickness.

18. Add Titles

Lastly, add titles and descriptions for your radial bar chart. Click the Insert tab and use the Text Box button to draw a text box below your labels. Fill it in with the necessary information to provide context for your chart.

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Now that you know how to create a radial bar chart, try implementing one in your next presentation to effectively showcase your data. Consider using a premium template from Envato Elements to save time and enhance your presentation’s visual appeal.