Mastering 3D Donut Charts in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gregory Jul 09, 2026

Ever wondered how to visualize data in a unique and engaging way? Look no further than the 3D Donut Chart in Excel. This interactive chart type allows you to present data in a compelling, three-dimensional format that's sure to captivate your audience. Let's dive into the world of 3D Donut Charts and explore how to create and optimize them in Excel.

3D Donut Chart Diagram
3D Donut Chart Diagram

Before we begin, it's essential to understand that Excel doesn't have a built-in 3D Donut Chart. However, with a bit of creativity and the use of other chart types, we can create a similar effect. In this article, we'll guide you through creating a 3D Donut Chart using a combination of Pie and Line charts in Excel.

How to Create a Sliced Donut Chart in Excel | Easy Step-by-Step Guide
How to Create a Sliced Donut Chart in Excel | Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a 3D Donut Chart in Excel

To create a 3D Donut Chart in Excel, we'll first create a standard Pie Chart and then convert it into a 3D format. After that, we'll add a Line Chart to represent the 'donut hole.' Let's get started!

an image of a pie chart with different colors
an image of a pie chart with different colors

First, ensure your data is structured correctly. You should have two columns: one for category labels and another for the corresponding values.

Step 1: Creating the Pie Chart

an image of different colored circles with the words donut chart
an image of different colored circles with the words donut chart

Select your data range, then go to the 'Insert' tab in the Excel ribbon. Click on 'Pie' and choose the first Pie Chart option. Excel will create a basic Pie Chart using your data.

To make it more engaging, you can add a title, change colors, and adjust the chart layout. Right-click on the chart and select 'Format Selection' to access these options.

Step 2: Converting the Pie Chart to 3D

Donut Chart - Learn about this chart and tools to create it
Donut Chart - Learn about this chart and tools to create it

Now, let's convert our Pie Chart into a 3D format. Right-click on the chart and select 'Add Chart Element' > 'Chart Filters' > '3-D Rotation.' Adjust the 'Rotation' and 'Perspective' sliders to create your desired 3D effect.

You can also experiment with other 3D formatting options, such as 'Bevel' and 'Depth,' to further enhance the appearance of your chart.

Adding the Donut Hole with a Line Chart

a pie chart with the number of people in each region and what they are doing
a pie chart with the number of people in each region and what they are doing

Now that we have a 3D Pie Chart, let's add the 'donut hole' using a Line Chart. This will give our chart the distinctive Donut Chart appearance.

To do this, we'll create a new series in our chart with a value of 0 for each category. This will create a line at the center of our chart, representing the donut hole.

donut chart
donut chart
Overlapped doughnut charts PowerPoint Diagram Template
Overlapped doughnut charts PowerPoint Diagram Template
How to Make an Expanding Donut Chart in Tableau
How to Make an Expanding Donut Chart in Tableau
Doughnut Chart for Excel Dashboards: Simple and Easy way! [Excel Free Template]
Doughnut Chart for Excel Dashboards: Simple and Easy way! [Excel Free Template]
a pie chart with different types of numbers on it
a pie chart with different types of numbers on it
How to build a fantastic 10-minute Tableau Donut chart!
How to build a fantastic 10-minute Tableau Donut chart!
Pie and Donut Chart Templates
Pie and Donut Chart Templates
3D Doughnut Chart for KPI Metrics
3D Doughnut Chart for KPI Metrics
Semi-Donut Chart with 7 Parts for PowerPoint and Google Slides
Semi-Donut Chart with 7 Parts for PowerPoint and Google Slides
Stylish Doughnut Charts in Excel - PK: An Excel Expert
Stylish Doughnut Charts in Excel - PK: An Excel Expert
5 Layered Advanced Doughnut Chart
5 Layered Advanced Doughnut Chart
Double Doughnut Chart in Excel
Double Doughnut Chart in Excel
Donut Chart | Data Viz Project
Donut Chart | Data Viz Project
The Ultimate Guide of  Doughnut charts With FusionCharts
The Ultimate Guide of Doughnut charts With FusionCharts
Progress Doughnut Chart with Conditional Formatting in Excel - Excel Campus
Progress Doughnut Chart with Conditional Formatting in Excel - Excel Campus
the number of financial services available for commercial use is shown in blue, green and white
the number of financial services available for commercial use is shown in blue, green and white
Multilayered Doughnut Chart : Part-2
Multilayered Doughnut Chart : Part-2
an image of a pie chart with all the main parts labeled in each section on it
an image of a pie chart with all the main parts labeled in each section on it
Modern Doughnut Charts for PowerPoint and Google Slides
Modern Doughnut Charts for PowerPoint and Google Slides
Multi Level Pie Chart - Best Excel Tutorial
Multi Level Pie Chart - Best Excel Tutorial

Step 1: Adding a New Series

Right-click on the chart and select 'Select Data.' In the 'Select Data Source' dialog box, click on 'Add' to insert a new series. Enter a series name (e.g., 'Donut Hole'), and click 'OK.'

In the 'Edit Series' dialog box, enter a value of 0 for each category in your data. Click 'OK' to close the dialog boxes.

Step 2: Formatting the Line Chart

With the new series added, you should now see a line chart at the center of your 3D Pie Chart. To make it look like a donut hole, you'll need to format the line chart.

Right-click on the line chart and select 'Format Selection.' In the 'Format Selection' pane, adjust the 'Line' properties, such as color, width, and style, to create the desired donut hole effect.

Congratulations! You've now created a stunning 3D Donut Chart in Excel. To take your chart to the next level, consider adding data labels, customizing the chart legend, or even animating your chart with interactive features.

As you continue to explore the world of data visualization, remember that the key to creating engaging charts lies in understanding your data and choosing the right chart type to tell your story. With a bit of creativity and the right tools, you can transform your Excel data into captivating, three-dimensional masterpieces that will captivate your audience and bring your data to life.