Progress Circle Chart

The progress circle chart displays the percentage completion towards a goal. We’ll use special formatting tricks in Excel. Instead of using boring charts, present your data quickly and clearly!

If you are in project management, the progress chart is one of the best choices to track the completion of projects. We love this chart type because they allow us to track and display the progress of a single performance indicator.

I’m using Excel infographics if I create dynamic dashboards. This Excel progress chart will come with a fully updatable graph. Modern Excel charts and graphs are easy to build using built-in shapes, icons, and other custom formatting tricks to grab your audience’s attention.

To create a progress circle chart do the following:

  1. Set up the source data, and the reminder value
  2. Create a double dougnut chart
  3. Apply custom formatting for the inner and the outer ring
  4. Assign the actual value to the Text Box

Build a progress circle chart in Excel

It’s an awesome chart that requires two doughnut charts and a simple formula. Let us see how to create it from the ground up!

Step 1 – Set up the source data

As first, we need to do is set up the source data. Create this initial data set below.

The cell D4 will show the actual value. D5 displays the reminder value to 100%.
Add the actual value, for example, 45%. After that, calculate the reminder value using this simple formula.

= 100% - D4

The result is in this case, 55%.

set up initial data for progress chart

Step 2 – Create a double doughnut chart

In this example we’ll show you a brand new method to create a progress circle chart.

Select the data range and insert a doughnut chart.

create a simple doughnut chart

Now remove all unwanted items from the chart area.

Delete the background, title, and borders.

Select the chart and press Control + C to copy it. Press Ctrl + V to duplicate the doughnut chart.

duplicate the chart

Now we have two rings. Select the reminder value section of the outer ring. Right-click, then choose Format Data Point. Use the ‘No fill’ option.

adjust the outer ring

Let’s see the inner ring. Select the actual value section. Apply the ‘No fill’ option.

modifiy the progress circle chart

You can modify the doughnut hole size property, in this example the value is 63%.

Finally, apply your prederred color theme. We strongly recommend you to use flat colors like blue and grey. Read more about design in Excel.

Step 3 – Insert a Text box and connect actual value

Last but not least we’ll prepare the label for the actual value. To do this, click to the ribbon and choose the Insert tab. Insert a Text Box.

Clean up the object, remove the background and border from the Text box.

Link the actual value (in this case, cell D4) to the text box.

Select Text Box. Go to the formula bar and press “=”

final progress circle chart

From now, if you change the actual value, the progress circle chart will be reflected in real-time.

In this example our text box is not part of the chart by default. If we move chart, the text box hold the actual position. Hm, very frustrating. Lock the text box and the chart in position! If we grouping Excel objects, we can keep them in position.

Time needed: 2 minutes.

How to group objects in Excel?

  1. Select the Text box

    Click on the text box (which contain the value) and select it.

  2. Press Shift key

    Hold down the Shift key as you click on the object you added.

  3. Click the Chart border

    Continue pressing down the Shift key as you click the chart border.

  4. Release the Shift key

    Release the Shift key. The chart and the text box remain selected.

  5. Click Format Tab to group objects

    In the Arrange group, click the Group and select the Group option.

Quick Tip: In some cases we have to go over 100% regarding actual value. What should we do? The solution: Use this modified formula for the remainder value.


This transformation will modify the remainder value to zero. The donught chart will be filled with the progress complete color.

The text box will show the correct percentage too.

Download the template

Progress Circle Chart – Advanced Formatting Tips

If you want to pimp your chart apply a special formatting method. We’ll show how to create a great looking graph without using complex formulas.

Insert a simple doughnut chart, in this case we are using the built-in chart type.

Select the actual value section. Right click and format data point. Use these settings below:

  • Border Width = 12px
  • Border Color = White
  • Cap Type = Round
  • Join Type = Miter
advanced progress circle chart for excel final

Final Thoughts

The progress circle chart is an easy understable solution if you need a clean and lightweigt presentation. If you are in a hurry, use this graph to visualize your key metrics!

Additional resources: