OmniDocHow to make three-dimensional charts in Excel: three-dimensional column charts and pie charts
Explain clearly what data are suitable for three-dimensional column charts and three-dimensional pie charts in Excel, how to choose the chart type, and adjust the rotation angle and depth to make the chart have a three-dimensional feel without affecting the reading.
Key points of this article
- For three-dimensional charts, you must first select the three-dimensional type when inserting the chart, and then adjust the rotation and depth in the format settings after generation. Both steps are indispensable.
- Three-dimensional column charts are suitable for comparisons of a small number of categories, and three-dimensional pie charts are suitable for displaying proportions of a small number of parts. It is recommended to use two-dimensional charts when there is a large amount of data.
- The rotation angle and perspective should be small rather than large. Only adjust one item at a time to avoid visual distortion of the column height and proportion.
- After completion, check the data series, data labels and printing results to confirm that the readings of the chart are consistent with the original table.
If you have made a column chart in Excel and want it to look more three-dimensional, you will find that the default two-dimensional chart can be completed in just a few clicks, while the three-dimensional effect needs to be completed in two steps in the chart type and format settings. Many people directly look for the "three-dimensional" option but cannot find it, or after changing the graph to three-dimensional, the data cannot be seen clearly.
This article is written for people who need to report, teach, or need to illustrate reports. We will explain clearly what data are suitable for three-dimensional column charts and three-dimensional pie charts, how to choose the chart type, and how to adjust the rotation angle and depth to make the chart have a three-dimensional feel without affecting the reading.
After reading this, you should be able to independently create a three-dimensional diagram and know when to abandon three-dimensional and switch to two-dimensional.
How to make excel charts three-dimensional? One sentence conclusion
The core of making a three-dimensional chart is two steps: first select the three-dimensional type when inserting the chart, such as a three-dimensional column chart or a three-dimensional pie chart; after generating it, adjust the three-dimensional rotation and depth in the format settings of the chart. If data requires precise comparison, use two-dimensional charts first.
| your situation | Recommended practices | reason |
|---|---|---|
| Compare the numerical sizes of several categories | 3D Clustered Column Chart or 3D Column Chart | The height of the pillars is comparable, and the three-dimensional effect does not affect the main message. |
| Show the proportion of each part in the whole, there are not many parts | 3D pie chart, small amount isolated | The three-dimensional pie chart has clear layers and the proportions are still readable. |
| A lot of data, requiring accurate readings | 2D column or bar chart | Three-dimensional perspective will make distant and near columns look unequal in height |
| Just want a little three-dimensional sense | Keep the three-dimensional type, reduce the angle and perspective | Less deformation and more stable readings |
| To include official printed materials | Mainly two-dimensional, with three-dimensional as auxiliary diagrams | The shades and colors vary greatly after printing, making it more difficult to check. |
Before you start: Confirm these points first
Before taking action, determine three things first, which can save a lot of rework.
- Confirm chart purpose. Projection presentations and paper reports have different requirements for stereoscopic effects. When used for reporting, the three-dimensional effect can be stronger; when used for materials that require readings, the deformation should be controlled.
- Confirm the number of data categories. Three-dimensional column charts are clearer when there are fewer categories. When there are many categories, the columns block each other, making it difficult for readers to align the values.
- Confirm whether the pie chart data is compliant. Pie charts require that all values be positive and the sum represents a whole. When negative numbers or null values appear, the proportion of the pie chart is meaningless, and a column chart should be used instead.
- Organize the data area. Categories are written in the left column, series names are written in the upper row, and there are no merged cells in the area. Wrong selections will lead to wrong series splits, and no amount of subsequent adjustments will help.
In addition, the three-dimensional type name and settings panel location are slightly different in different versions of Excel, but the functions are the same. If you cannot find the corresponding option, you can browse carefully in the list of chart types, or consult the help documentation of the version you are using.
Steps to make a three-dimensional column chart in Excel
The following takes a three-dimensional column chart as an example to illustrate the complete operation process. The steps for creating a three-dimensional pie chart are basically the same, except for the final settings.
- Organize the data: write the category in the left column, the series name on the top line, and fill the value into the corresponding cell.
- Select the entire data area, including the category and series names, so that the series names will automatically become legends.
- In the function area where the chart is inserted, find the options for bar charts or bar charts, and select either 3D bar chart or 3D cluster bar chart.
- After generating the chart, check whether each data series is correct. If the row-column split is incorrect, use the row and column switch function to rearrange it.
- Click on the blank area of the chart to open the chart formatting panel, and find the option related to 3D rotation.
- Adjust X-axis rotation (pitch up and down) and Y-axis rotation (left-right rotation). Only change one item each time, and observe whether the column still easily aligns with the grid lines.
- Adjust perspective and depth. The larger the perspective, the stronger the sense of distance; Depth determines the thickness of the column. Usually keep the values small to keep the chart clean and easy to read.
- Add titles and data tags, remove unnecessary gridlines and background fills, then check if the color contrast is clear enough.
When creating a 3D pie chart, after selecting the pie art type, you can adjust the starting sector angle in the format settings so that the protruding part faces directly forward or to the right. If you want to emphasize a particular section, you can appropriately increase the division of that sector, but too much separation will make the whole area look scattered, so usually only one or two pieces are needed.
After completion, check each item one by one
After generating charts, don't rush to copy them into the document; first check item by item according to the checklist below.
| Inspection items | How to see it | What should you do if there's a problem? |
|---|---|---|
| Whether the data series is correct | The number of legends matches the number of series in the table | Switch rows and columns, or reselect the data range |
| Check whether the column height matches the values | View the readings of each column against the data labels | Reduce perspective, or temporarily disable 3D rotation after contrast |
| Is the proportion of pie charts reasonable? | The sum of the proportions of all data labels matches the overall data, with no missing parts | Check for empty values, negative numbers, or duplicate counting |
| Check whether the text is obscured or distorted | Preview according to actual usage sizes | Reduce rotation angle and shorten label text |
| Color and print effects | Preview in grayscale, or print a page in practice | Switch to a more contrastive color, or switch to a 2D chart |
| Check whether the data matches the main text | Check key values one by one | After correcting the source data, the chart is regenerated |
If you find that the readings do not match the original data, first check whether the visual error is caused by perspective, then check the source data. Values in the chart should be based on data labels; do not judge solely by the visual height of the columns.
📊 Core Comparison: 3D Charts vs. 2D Charts
| Comparison items | 3D chart | 2D chart |
|---|---|---|
| Visual effects | It has layers and is suitable for presentations and presentations | Concise and intuitive, suitable for formal reports |
| Reading accuracy | Perspective affects judgment and relies on data labels | Clear coordinate axes for more accurate readings |
| Suitable data volume | Better results when there are fewer categories and parts | Even when there are many categories, it remains clear |
| Adjust costs | Additional adjustments for rotation, perspective, and depth are required | Simple setup, quick modifications |
| Printing and copying | Shadows and gradients may be distorted | Still easy to read even after black-and-white printing |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why do the columns in the 3D chart appear higher or lower than the actual values?
Perspective and rotation make the parts near the observer appear larger and the farther parts appear smaller. When reading, the data label should be used as the standard, and the perspective and rotation angle should be appropriately reduced.
2. Can the finished 3D chart be directly placed into Word or PDF?
Yes, you can. You can copy it into Word or export it as a PDF. After exporting, please use the reader to confirm that the 3D effect, text position, and color have not changed.
3. What is the difference between a 3D pie chart and a ring chart?
A 3D pie chart is a solid circle with solid thickness, while the ring chart is hollow in the center. Ring charts are usually used to compare the proportions of multiple series, while 3D pie charts are better suited for several components of a single whole.
4. Does the 3D effect in the chart affect printing?
Yes. Shadows, gradients, and three-dimensional sides may be distorted in color printing, while in black-and-white prints they tend to blend into a single patch. It is recommended to print one page of official materials first to review, and if necessary, switch to 2D charts.
📝 Summary
To make Excel charts three-dimensional, the key is to first select the correct 3D type, then make small adjustments to rotation, perspective, and depth. For situations requiring precise readings, it is recommended to prioritize using 2D charts and verify values with data labels.
