tableau donut chart with overlapping total in middle

Lussy04

3 min read

·

24-01-2025

1

0

Share

Creating a visually appealing and informative donut chart in Tableau is straightforward. But adding an overlapping total in the middle to emphasize the overall value adds a significant design upgrade. This article will guide you through the process step-by-step. We'll create a compelling donut chart with a central, overlapping total using Tableau's built-in features and a few clever techniques.

Understanding the Goal: A Visually Striking Donut Chart

Our aim is to produce a donut chart that not only displays proportions clearly but also prominently features the overall sum of the data. This central total enhances readability and quickly communicates the key figure. We'll achieve this by creating a dual-axis chart with carefully positioned labels.

Step-by-Step Guide: Building Your Overlapping Donut Chart in Tableau

Let's assume you have a dataset with at least two columns: one for categories (e.g., "Product Category") and another for values (e.g., "Sales").

1. Prepare Your Data:

Ensure your data is clean and ready for visualization. You may need to perform data cleaning or manipulation before importing it into Tableau. This step isn't specific to the chart type, but crucial for data integrity.

2. Create the Basic Donut Chart:

• Drag and Drop: Drag your "Product Category" dimension to the "Color" shelf and your "Sales" measure to the "Angle" shelf.
• Donut Shape: Right-click on the resulting chart and select "Dual Axis." Then, synchronize the axes. This creates the donut shape.
• Remove Inner Circle: Right-click on the inner circle (the empty space) and select "Hide."

3. Add the Total Value:

• Create a Calculated Field: Create a calculated field that sums your sales data. For instance, if your sales column is named "Sales," the calculation would be SUM([Sales]).
• Add to View: Drag this calculated field to the "Label" shelf (on the secondary axis).

4. Positioning the Total:

This is where the visual magic happens. By default, the total label will likely be placed awkwardly. To fix this:

• Dual Axis Properties: Right-click on either axis and select "Dual Axis." This allows us to edit and position labels independently.
• Label Positioning: With the label for the total selected, look for options to adjust its position on the chart and change the font size and color for clarity. You might need to manually adjust using the label's formatting options to perfectly center and overlap. You might need to experiment with positioning to get the ideal overlap.

5. Enhancing the Visual Appeal:

• Color Palette: Choose a color palette that is both visually appealing and effectively communicates the data. Consider using a palette that aids in accessibility and allows for sufficient color contrast.
• Labels: Format labels for clarity and easy readability. Consider adding data labels to the segments of the donut to show precise values.
• Tooltip: Configure the tooltip to display more detailed information. The tooltip can present both percentages and raw values when users hover over specific sections of the chart.
• Title: Add a clear and concise title to the chart to provide context. This title is essential to make the presentation self-explanatory.

6. Optimizing for Clarity:

• Segment Size: Ensure each donut segment is large enough to avoid overcrowding and maintain clear readability. Consider removing minor segments if they're too small to interpret easily.
• Font Selection: Choose appropriate fonts that enhance readability, considering potential scaling issues at different display resolutions.
• Spacing: Adjust spacing to prevent label overlap within the donut segments. Maintain clear visibility between data labels and their corresponding segments.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Overlapping Labels: If labels overlap, you can adjust their position individually or use label formatting options within Tableau to optimize spacing.
• Incorrect Totals: Double-check your calculated field for the total value to ensure accurate calculations.
• Poor Readability: Experiment with different color palettes, font sizes, and label positions to find the best combination for readability.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

• Interactive Elements: Explore adding interactive elements, like filters or parameters, to allow users to dynamically change the data displayed in the donut chart. Interactive features can greatly enhance user engagement and insights.
• Custom Shapes: Instead of a standard circle, explore using custom shapes or images to create a more unique and memorable visualization. Custom shapes can make the chart more engaging and easier to remember.
• Data Density: If you have many categories, consider using a hierarchical approach to display a summarized overview with the ability to drill down into more detail. Hierarchical charts allow for progressive exposure of detail.

By following these steps, you can create a stunning and informative donut chart with an overlapping total in the middle using Tableau. Remember to prioritize clarity and readability to ensure the chart effectively communicates your data. Experiment with the various formatting options to find the best visual representation that best suits your data and intended audience.