An introduction to using pie charts in technical writing; what kind of data they are used to show, when to use them, how to make them and how to discuss their contents.

1. Pie
Charts
Pie
Chartsin technical writing

2. OUTCOMES

3. OUTCOMES
Define the function
of pie charts

4. OUTCOMES
Explain the kind of
information displayed
in pie charts

5. OUTCOMES
Identify the key
characteristics of a pie
chart

6. OUTCOMES
Write a paragraph
describing a pie chart

7. pie chart?
what is a

8. A circular chart that shows
that’s used to parts or
percentages of a whole.

10. Readers can compare parts
to each other as well as to
the whole.

11. So the chart looks like a
pie cut into different slices

12. So the chart looks like a
pie cut into different slices

13. pie chart?
what data do we display in a

14. Pie charts show proportion
which is measured in
percentages of fractions.

15. They are used to show
comparison rather than
change.

16. To show change, you need
to use multiple charts.

18. pie charts
when to use

19. Pie charts work when
the categories show
variation in size.

20. Pie charts are good for
displaying data that is divided
into about 6-7 categories.

21. Having too many categories
makes a pie chart difficult to
read.

23. Smaller categories can be
grouped together as ‘other’.

25. pie charts
designing

26. Arrange the sections of the
piechart clockwise in order
of size.

27. But always leave ‘other’ until
the end.

28. Use colors and patterns to
make sure the segments are
easily distinguishable.

29. Make sure the
sections add up to 100
per cent!!

30. 17%
12%
24%
46%
Salaries Research Marketing Other

31. 17%
12%
24%
46%
Salaries Research Marketing Other

32. 12%
17%
24%
46%
Salaries Research Marketing Other

34. pie charts
writing about

35. Start with the largest or most
relevant section of the chart.

36. 2%5%
18%
31%
43%
Chrome
Firefox
Internet Explorer
Safari
Other
Fig. 2 Internet Browser Usage, 2016
As shown, Chrome was by far the most popular browser.

37. Then discuss the remaining
sections in size order.

38. Then discuss the remaining
sections in size order.
largest to smallest

39. Making sure to leave
‘other’ until last.

40. 2%5%
18%
31%
43%
Chrome
Firefox
Internet Explorer
Safari
Other
Fig. 2 Internet Browser Usage, 2016
Chrome accounted for 43 per cent of all browser usage with the
second most-used browser, Firefox, accounting for another 31
percent. Meanwhile, Internet Explorer and Safari were used far less
accounting for only eighteen and five percent, respectively. Other
browsers only accounted for 2 per cent of total usage.

41. Conclude by restating the
most relevant point.

42. 2%5%
18%
31%
43%
Chrome
Firefox
Internet Explorer
Safari
Other
Fig. 2 Internet Browser Usage, 2016
While there was some variation in the browsers used, Chrome
was way more commonly used than its rivals.

43. review