How To Make A Pie Chart 


These are specific directions for Mrs. Alejandre's AVID mathematics students at Frisbie Middle School. Students were given a lesson on making graphs using a Claris Works spreadsheet file. They are to apply what they learned in that lesson as they work on a Team Project involving a survey, data collection and data display.
Enter Data - Percentages to display in a pie chart
- In Column A type the different categories for your data.
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- In Column B you will want your numbers to show as percentages, so you must set the cell correctly.
- Click one time on the B at the top of the column. The entire column should be highlighted. Go to Format, select Number.
- A window will appear. Select Percent and enter the number 0 for precision.
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- As you enter the data in column B, remember to type the number with the percent sign or type it in decimal form.
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- Remember that the figures in Column B should total to 100%.
Make Pie Graph
- Select all of your entries in both Columns A and B.
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- Go to Options, select Make Chart.
- A window will appear with the different types of graphs/charts.
- Select Pie and consider the different options at the bottom of the window.
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Try them and see which ones enhance your chart. Remember that you are displaying data to present information! Your chart should be clear.
- Go to Labels, type in your Title.
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- Go to Series, select Label data. You have 3 choices.
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- Now you are ready to make your chart. Select OK.
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Change Fonts and Colors in Pie Chart
- To change the font of the title or the legend, click on it once so that it is selected and then go to Format in the menu bar.
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- You may change the font, size, style and/or color of the text.
- Remember that your chart should have clearly displayed information.
- The colors displayed above are the default colors that Claris Works uses. They can be changed very easily to be colors of your choice.
- Go to View, select Show Tools.
- On your chart, select one of the small squares of color by clicking on it once. Use the paint palette. Select a different color and you will see that the original color will be replaced. Continue to select the different small squares and adjust the colors.
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