Applies ToExcel for Microsoft 365 Word for Microsoft 365 PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 for Mac Excel 2024 Word 2024 Outlook 2024 PowerPoint 2024 Excel 2024 for Mac Word 2024 for Mac Outlook 2024 for Mac PowerPoint 2024 for Mac Excel 2021 Word 2021 Outlook 2021 PowerPoint 2021 Excel 2021 for Mac Word 2021 for Mac Outlook 2021 for Mac PowerPoint 2021 for Mac Excel 2019 Word 2019 Outlook 2019 PowerPoint 2019 Word 2019 for Mac Excel 2016 Word 2016 Outlook 2016 PowerPoint 2016 Excel for iPad Excel for iPhone

The sunburst chart is ideal for displaying hierarchical data. Each level of the hierarchy is represented by one ring or circle with the innermost circle as the top of the hierarchy. A sunburst chart without any hierarchical data (one level of categories), looks similar to a doughnut chart. However, a sunburst chart with multiple levels of categories shows how the outer rings relate to the inner rings. The sunburst chart is most effective at showing how one ring is broken into its contributing pieces, while another type of hierarchical chart, the treemap chart, is ideal for comparing relative sizes.

Picture of a Sunburst Chart in Office 2016 for Windows

Create a sunburst chart

  1. Select your data.

    Data used to create the example sunburst chart
  2. Click Insert > Insert Hierarchy Chart > Sunburst.

    Sunburst chart type on the Insert tab in Office 2016 for Windows

    You can also use the All Charts tab in Recommended Charts to create a sunburst chart, although the sunburst chart will only be recommended when empty (blank) cells exist within the hierarchal structure. (click Insert >Recommended Charts > All Charts tab)

Tip: Use the Design and Format tabs to customize the look of your chart. If you don't see these tabs, click anywhere in the sunburst chart to add the Chart Tools to the ribbon.

Design and Format tabs for the Chart Tools

Create a sunburst chart

  1. Select your data.

    Data used to create the example sunburst chart
  2. On the ribbon, click the Insert tab, and then click Hierarchy chart icon (Hierarchy icon), and select Sunburst.

    Sunburst chart on the ribbon

    Tip: Use the Chart Design and Format tabs to customize the look of your chart. If you don't see these tabs, click anywhere in the Sunburst chart to display them on the ribbon.

Create a waterfall chart

Create a Pareto chart

Create a histogram

Create a box and whisker chart

Create a treemap chart in Office

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.