Pie Chart Tutorial Packet
Financial Freedom Project
Creating a Pie Chart in Google Sheets
Name:
Date:
Learning Goal
I can create a pie chart in Google Sheets to visually represent my monthly budget.
Why Use a Pie Chart?
A pie chart helps you see where your money is going each month. It turns your budget categories into a visual graph so you can quickly compare your spending.
1
Step 1: Enter Your Budget Data
Open a new Google Sheet and type your data exactly like this. Make sure your category names and budget amounts are in side-by-side columns:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Housing | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $300 |
| Food | $400 |
| Phone/Internet | $100 |
| Entertainment | $150 |
| Savings | $500 |
| Other | $200 |
Check Your Columns: Make sure your categories are in one column and the amounts are in the column next to them.
Digital Spreadsheet View
Your screen should show Rows 1 to 8 with Columns A and B filled out cleanly.
[Insert Screenshot of Budget Table Here]
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Step 2: Highlight Your Data
Active Selection
Both headers, all category words, and all numbers must turn light blue.
[Insert Screenshot Showing Data Highlighted]
Tell Google Sheets exactly which information to turn into your graph:
Click on the first category cell (A1 - the box that says “Expense Category”).
Hold down your mouse button and drag across and down to highlight all categories and amounts (all the way to the “$200” on row 8).
Release the mouse button. Make sure both columns are entirely shaded in blue.
Teacher Tip Box
“If your chart looks strange later, double-check that you highlighted both the category names and the dollar amounts.”
Financial Freedom Project · Google Sheets Tutorial Page 1 of 3
Financial Freedom Project Google Sheets Tutorial
3
Step 3: Insert a Chart
Now that your data is selected, you're ready to build the chart:
Click on the word Insert on the top menu bar (next to File, Edit, View).
Scroll down the list and click on Chart (look for the small icon next to it).
Fun Callout
“Google Sheets may automatically create a chart for you. Don't worry if it isn't a pie chart yet!”
The Insert Menu
The Chart option will appear mid-way down with a bar-graph icon.
[Insert Screenshot of Insert → Chart]
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Step 4: Change the Chart Type
Chart Editor Panel
The Setup tab has the Chart Type dropdown at the very top.
[Insert Screenshot of Chart Type Menu]
If Sheets created a bar graph or column graph, you need to change it:
Look for the Chart Editor sidebar panel that pops out on the right side of your browser screen.
Under the Setup tab, click the dropdown menu under the word Chart Type.
Scroll past Line and Area charts until you see the Pie category. Click on the 2D circular Pie Chart.
5
Step 5: Add a Title
Help people understand your chart right away by adding a helpful, clear title:
Click the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of your chart box and choose Edit Chart if the sidebar isn't already open.
Go to the Customize tab in the editor, and click on Chart & axis titles.
Recommended Title Choices:
“My Monthly Budget” or “How I Spend My Money”
Writing the Title
Type your customized title text directly into the "Title text" box.
[Insert Screenshot of Chart Title]
Financial Freedom Project · Google Sheets Tutorial Page 2 of 3
Financial Freedom Project Google Sheets Tutorial
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Step 6: Check Your Work
My chart is a pie chart. Each slice represents an expense category. My chart has a title. My numbers match my budget table. My chart is easy to read.
Troubleshooting Corner
Problem: “My chart has weird labels.”
Solution: Make sure you highlighted both columns (names and amounts) before creating the chart.
Problem: “My chart is not a pie chart.”
Solution: Use the Chart Type dropdown menu in the editor sidebar and choose Pie Chart.
Problem: “My chart only shows one category.”
Solution: Check that all expense categories and costs are included in the highlighted range.
Reflection Questions
1. Which expense category takes up the largest portion of your budget?
2. Which expense category takes up the smallest portion of your budget?
3. What does your pie chart tell you about your spending habits?
4. Based on your chart, do you think your career provides financial freedom? Explain.
Financial Freedom Project · Google Sheets Tutorial Page 3 of 3
