What is an animated donut chart?

An animated donut chart is a ring-shaped visualization where each segment sweeps in as it animates. The hollow center is used to display a headline metric — a total, percentage, or KPI — making the chart more information-dense than a standard pie chart.

How is a donut chart different from a pie chart?

A donut chart has a hollow center; a pie chart fills the full circle. That center space is what makes donut charts more useful in dashboards and reports — you can put a summary number there. Visually, donut charts feel more contemporary and work better in modern design contexts.

How many segments should a donut chart have?

Three to seven is the sweet spot. Beyond seven, thin segments become hard to distinguish. For larger datasets, group smaller values into an 'Other' category or switch to a bar chart.

Can I import data from Excel or Google Sheets?

Yes. Copy your data from any spreadsheet and paste it directly into the editor. AECharts formats it automatically — no CSV uploads or reformatting needed.

What export formats are available?

MP4 at 1080p and 60fps for social media and presentations. PNG for static image exports. All rendering happens in your browser — your data never leaves your device.

Can I use custom brand colors?

Yes. Every segment color is individually customizable via hex value. Adjust label colors, background, and font to match your brand.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. All features are free with unlimited image exports. Video exports at 1080p require a Pro plan at $19/month or $190/year. No credit card required to start.

Can I use a donut chart as a progress indicator?

Yes. A two-segment donut — completed vs. remaining — works as a clean progress indicator. The animation sweeps the arc from 0 to the current value, making progress feel dynamic. Common uses: fundraising goals, project completion, quarterly targets.

Do I need design or coding skills?

None. Pick a template, paste your data, adjust colors if needed, and export. Most users create their first animated donut chart in seconds.

Animated Donut Chart Maker — Create Animated Donut Charts Free Online

Q: Can I control the size of the donut hole?

Yes. AECharts lets you adjust the inner radius to any size — from a thin ring to a large center area for displaying a KPI label.

Paste your data, pick a template, and export as video or image. Built for KPI dashboards, portfolio breakdowns, revenue mix, and any time you need a part-to-whole visual with a headline metric in the center. Free to start.

Everything You Need to Create Animated Donut Charts

Easy Data Import

Paste directly from Excel or Google Sheets. One row per segment — AECharts builds the chart automatically. No reformatting needed.

Adjustable Hole Size

Control the inner radius to any size — from a thin ring to a large center area for a headline KPI or total.

Custom Colors & Fonts

Each segment gets its own color. Match your brand palette exactly or use a built-in color scheme.

Percentage Labels

AECharts calculates percentages automatically and positions labels to avoid overlaps. Control visibility and styling from the editor.

Video & Image Export

Export as MP4 at 1080p or as a static PNG. Works in PowerPoint, Google Slides, LinkedIn, and reports.

Real-time Preview

See every change instantly. What you see in the editor is exactly what exports.

When to Use a Donut Chart

Donut charts work best when you have a key metric worth showing in the center — a total, percentage, or KPI that gives the segments context.

KPI Dashboard

84% of quarterly target — percentage in the center. The ring shows progress; the center shows the number. No extra labels needed.

Portfolio Breakdown

Equities, bonds, real estate — total value in the center. Readers see both the allocation split and the headline figure at once.

Revenue Mix

Product line split with total ARR in the center. The format works well in investor updates and quarterly reviews.

Market Share

Competitor landscape with your share highlighted. The center shows the total addressable market or combined revenue.

Progress Indicator

Two segments — completed vs. remaining. The arc sweeps in as the number fills, making progress satisfying to watch.

Survey Results

Response distribution across a fixed set of options. Total responses in the center adds context without cluttering the chart.

Donut Chart vs Pie Chart: Which Should You Use?

Both show part-to-whole data — the difference is what you put in the center.

Donut Chart

Best for: KPI dashboards and investor decks where the center can show a total, percentage, or key metric.

Strength: The hollow center adds information density — readers see both the breakdown and the headline number at once.

Use when: You have a summary metric that gives the segments context.

Pie Chart

Best for: Simple proportions with 3–5 categories where you want to emphasize the full circle.

Strength: Familiar format — works well in classic presentations and editorial contexts.

Use when: You don't have a center metric worth showing.

AECharts supports both. Switch between donut and pie to find the right format for your data.

Explore Other Chart Makers

Need a different visualization? AECharts offers multiple chart types to help you tell your data story effectively.

Animated Bar Chart Maker

Build compelling bar chart videos for comparing categories, rankings, and discrete values with dynamic horizontal or vertical bars.

Perfect for:

Sales comparison by product or region
Top 10 rankings and leaderboards
Performance metrics across teams

Animated Line Chart Maker

Transform trends and time-series data into animated line chart videos that show change over time with smooth, engaging animations.

Perfect for:

Revenue and sales growth tracking
Website analytics and metrics
Stock price trends and forecasts

Funnel Chart Maker

Visualize conversion rates and pipeline drop-off at each stage with animated funnel charts.

Perfect for:

Sales pipeline conversion rates
Marketing funnel analysis
User onboarding drop-off

Gauge Chart Maker

Create animated gauge charts that sweep to a target value — ideal for KPI dashboards and goal tracking.

Perfect for:

KPI progress and goal attainment
Performance scores and ratings
Capacity and utilization metrics

Browse chart examples →

How to Create an Animated Donut Chart

Choose a template

Browse donut chart templates and pick one that matches your style.

Paste your data

Copy from Excel or Google Sheets. One row per segment — AECharts builds the chart automatically.

Customize colors and style

Assign a color to each segment and match your brand. Adjust hole size and switch between donut and pie with one click.

Export as video or image

Export as a 1080p MP4 or static PNG. Drop into slides, reports, or share directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Donut Charts

Create Your Animated Donut Chart Today

Paste your data, pick a template, and export in seconds. Free to start — no credit card required.