The progress circle chart displays the percentage completion towards a goal. We’ll use special formatting tricks in Excel.
Instead of boring graphs, use our chart templates to present your data quickly using a progress circle chart. Modern Excel charts and templates are easy to create using built-in shapes, icons, and other custom formatting tricks to grab your audience’s attention. We love this chart type because it allows us to track and display the progress of a single performance indicator. In addition, we use infographics when we create dynamic dashboards in Excel.
How to create a Progress Circle chart in Excel
In a nutshell, to create a progress circle chart in Excel, you need to set up the source data and remainder value, create a double doughnut chart, apply custom formatting to the inner and outer rings, and assign the actual value to a text box.
#1. Set up the source data
First, we need to do is set up the source data. Create this initial data set below. Cell D4 will show the actual value. D5 displays the remainder value as 100%. Add the actual value, for example, 45%. After that, calculate the reminder value using this simple formula.
= 100% – D4
The result is, in this case, 55%.
#2. Create a double doughnut chart
In this example, we’ll show you a new method to create a progress circle chart. First, select the range that contains chart data. Next, go to the Ribbon, locate the Insert Tab, and select a doughnut chart.
Now, remove all unwanted items from the chart area. Delete the background, title, and borders. Select the chart and press Control + C to copy it. Next, press Ctrl + V to duplicate the doughnut chart.
Now we have two rings. Select the reminder value section of the outer ring. Right-click, then choose Format Data Point. Use the ‘No fill’ option.
Let’s see the inner ring. First, select the actual value section. Then, apply the ‘No fill’ option.
You can modify the doughnut hole size property. In this example, the value is 63%. Finally, apply your preferred color theme. Again, we strongly recommend using flat colors like blue and grey.
#3. Insert a Text box and connect the actual value
Lastly, we’ll prepare the label for the actual value. To do this, click on the Ribbon and choose the Insert tab. Insert a Text Box. Clean up the object, remove the background and border from the Text box, and then link the actual value (in this case, cell D4) to the text box.
Select Text Box. Go to the formula bar and press “=”
If you change the actual value, the progress circle chart will be reflected in real time. In this example, our text box is not part of the chart by default.
#4. Group the chart elements
If we move the chart, the text box holds the actual position. Hmm, very frustrating. Lock the text box and the chart in position! If we are grouping Excel objects, we can keep them in place.
How do you group objects in Excel?
- Click on the text box (which contains the value) and select it.
- Hold down the Shift key as you click on the object you added.
- Continue pressing down the Shift key as you click the chart border.
- Release the Shift key. The chart and the text box remain selected.
- In the Arrange group, click the Group and select the Group option.
Quick Tip: We sometimes have to go over 100% regarding actual value. What should we do? The solution: Use this modified formula for the remainder value.
=MAX(100%,D4)-D4
This transformation will modify the remainder value to zero. As a result, the donut chart will be filled with the complete progress color, and the text box will show the correct percentage, too.
Our chart is ready; download the practice file.
Chart Formatting Tips
If you want to pimp, your chart applies a unique formatting method. We’ll show how to create a great-looking graph without using complex formulas.
Insert a simple doughnut chart. In this case, we are using the built-in chart type. Select the actual value section. Right-click and format the data point.
Use these settings below:
- Border Width = 12px
- Border Color = White
- Cap Type = Round
- Join Type = Miter
Final Thoughts
The progress circle chart is an easily understandable solution if you need a clean and lightweight presentation. However, if you are in a hurry, use this graph to visualize your key metrics!
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