Physics Wallah

Circle Graph Formula with Solved Examples

Learn how to use the circle graph formula to calculate percentages and angles in pie charts. Get step-by-step instructions and examples for accurate data representation.
authorImageRanvijay Singh30 Sept, 2023
Share

Share

Circle Graph Formula

A Circle Graph , also known as a pie chart, is a way to represent data visually by dividing a circle into sectors or slices. Each sector represents a proportion or percentage of the whole data set. To calculate the size of each sector in a circle graph, you can use the following formula:

Sector Size (in degrees) = (Data Value / Total Data) * 360 degrees

In this formula:

"Sector Size" is the angle in degrees that represents the data value in the circle graph.

"Data Value" is the specific value you want to represent in the graph (e.g., the frequency of a category).

"Total Data" is the sum of all the data values for the entire data set.

360 degrees represents the full circle.

You can then use this calculated angle to draw the corresponding sector in the circle graph, ensuring that the sum of all sector sizes equals 360 degrees, which represents the entire circle.

Some Important Formulas of Circle Graph are Given Below

Sector Size (in degrees):

Sector Size (θ) = (Data Value / Total Data) * 360 degrees

This formula calculates the angle in degrees that each sector should occupy in the circle graph.

Percentage of Data Represented by a Sector:

Percentage = (Sector Size / 360 degrees) * 100%

This formula calculates the percentage of the total data represented by a specific sector in the circle graph.

Data Value from Sector Size:

Data Value = (Sector Size / 360 degrees) * Total Data

If you know the angle (in degrees) of a sector and the total data, you can use this formula to find the data value represented by that sector.

Total Data from Percentage:

Total Data = (Percentage / 100%) * (360 degrees / Sector Size)

If you know the percentage represented by a sector and the angle (in degrees) of that sector, you can use this formula to find the total data.

Finding Angle for a Given Percentage:

Sector Size = (Percentage / 100%) * 360 degrees

If you have a percentage and want to find the corresponding angle (sector size) for a sector in the circle graph, you can use this formula.

These formulas are useful for creating and interpreting circle graphs to represent data visually.

Also Check – Rational Number Formula

Solved Examples

Example: Suppose you have survey data on people's favorite fruits, and you want to create a pie chart to represent the results. The survey includes the following data:

Apples: 60 respondents

Bananas: 45 respondents

Oranges: 35 respondents

Grapes: 20 respondents

You want to create a pie chart to visualize the distribution of these preferences.

Step 1: Calculate the Total Data (Sum of all respondents):

Total Data = 60 (Apples) + 45 (Bananas) + 35 (Oranges) + 20 (Grapes) = 160 respondents

Step 2: Calculate the Sector Sizes (Angles) for each fruit using the formula:

For Apples:

Sector Size (Apples) = (60 / 160) * 360 degrees = 135 degrees

For Bananas:

Sector Size (Bananas) = (45 / 160) * 360 degrees = 101.25 degrees

For Oranges:

Sector Size (Oranges) = (35 / 160) * 360 degrees = 78.75 degrees

For Grapes:

Sector Size (Grapes) = (20 / 160) * 360 degrees = 45 degrees

Step 3: Create the Pie Chart:

Draw a circle (representing 360 degrees) as the base for your pie chart. Divide it into sectors according to the calculated sector sizes for each fruit:

Apples: 135 degrees

Bananas: 101.25 degrees

Oranges: 78.75 degrees

Grapes: 45 degrees

Color or label each sector with the corresponding fruit name.

Now, you have a pie chart that visually represents the survey data on people's favorite fruits.

In this example, the pie chart accurately reflects the distribution of preferences among the surveyed individuals, with larger sectors indicating higher preferences for specific fruits.

Circle Graph Formula FAQs

Q1. What is a circle graph (pie chart)?

Ans. A circle graph, also known as a pie chart, is a visual representation of data that divides a circle into sectors or slices, each representing a proportion or percentage of the whole data set. It is often used to display categorical data.

Q2. What does the "360 degrees" in the formula represent?

Ans. In the formula for calculating sector sizes, "360 degrees" represents the full circle. Since there are 360 degrees in a circle, this value is used to ensure that the sum of all sector sizes in the pie chart equals the entire circle.

Q3. Can I use radians instead of degrees in circle graph formulas?

Ans. Yes, you can use radians if you prefer. In such cases, make sure that all angles (sector sizes) and the total data are expressed in radians consistently. Remember that there are approximately 2π radians in a full circle.

Q4. How do I choose the order or arrangement of sectors in a pie chart?

Ans. The order or arrangement of sectors in a pie chart is typically arbitrary, but it should be chosen in a way that makes the chart easy to read and understand. Some common arrangements include ordering sectors by size (largest to smallest) or arranging them in a logical sequence (e.g., alphabetical order or chronological order).

Q5. Can I have multiple pie charts in one visualization?

Ans. Yes, you can create multiple pie charts to compare different data sets or categories within the same visualization. However, it's essential to provide clear labels and legends to distinguish between the different pie charts.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.