If you’ve ever built a PowerPoint presentation, you’ve probably faced the classic dilemma: Should I use a pie chart or a bar chart? Both have strengths, but they serve different purposes. So, let’s break it down.

Which is Which – The Bar Chart

A bar chart is a simple way to compare numbers across different categories. One axis lists the categories, and each category has a bar next to it. The length of the bar shows the value for that category—the longer the bar, the bigger the number. In the example below, the bar chart shows how an app’s users are spread across different device types. You can also flip a bar chart so the bars run horizontally instead of vertically.

Which is Which – The Pie Chart

A pie chart is a way to show how a whole is split into different parts. It looks like a circle (kind of like a pie) that’s divided into slices. Each slice represents a category, and its size shows how big that category’s share is compared to the total. The chart below shows the same data as before, just in pie chart form.

Pros: Why Use a Pie Chart

A pie chart is a classic choice when you need to show proportions. If you’re comparing parts of a whole—like how your monthly budget is distributed or the market share of different companies—it’s a solid option. Here’s why:

  • Visually Appealing: People love circles. Pie charts are easy on the eyes and make data feel approachable.

  • Great for Simple Comparisons: If you have just a few categories (ideally under five), a pie chart makes it clear how they relate.
  • Emphasizes the Big Picture: Want to show that one category dominates the others? A pie chart makes it obvious.

Cons: Why Avoid a Pie Chart

  • Difficult to Compare Small Differences: If one slice is 26% and another is 24%, it’s hard to tell them apart without looking at the numbers.

  • Messy with Too Many Categories: The more slices you have, the harder it is to read. A pie chart with 10 categories looks like a rainbow explosion.
  • Not Good for Trend Analysis: Pie charts show a snapshot in time, but they won’t help you see patterns over time.

Pros: Why Use a Bar Chart

Bar charts are the Swiss Army knives of data visualization. Whether you’re comparing values, showing trends, or displaying rankings, they get the job done. Here’s why they’re a go-to choice:

  • Easy to Compare Values: The length of each bar makes differences easy and clear.

  • Works Well for Many Categories: bar charts work in almost every situation, and are able to handle a lot of data without turning into chaos.
  • Good for Trends: If you’re showing changes over time, a bar chart (especially a horizontal one) is a much better choice.
  • More Precise: Since people are better at judging length than area, bar charts tend to be more accurate for data comparison.

Cons: Why You Should Avoid a Bar Chart

  • Not as Visually Engaging: Let’s be honest—bar charts aren’t as “fun” as pie charts. They can look boring if not designed well.

  • Can Get Cluttered: If you have too many bars or categories, your chart might end up looking like a barcode.
  • Might Not Highlight Proportions as Clearly: If you’re trying to emphasize how different pieces make up a whole, a pie chart does this better.

So, Which Should You Use?

  • Use a pie chart when you’re comparing parts of a whole and have five or fewer categories. Example: How your budget is divided between rent, food, transportation, savings, and entertainment.
  • Use a bar chart when comparing values, showing trends, or handling many categories. Example: Yearly revenue growth across multiple product lines.

Ultimately, your choice should be based on what will best visually communicate the data you’re presenting. As a point, the TLC Creative presentation team tends to utilize bar charts far more often. No matter which chart you choose, keep it simple. Your audience will thank you!