Fix Missing Donut Chart Percentages in Excel for the Web
Question details
Users are experiencing an issue where donut chart percentages displayed inside linked text boxes are visible in desktop Excel but fail to appear in Excel for the Web.

- Product
- Microsoft Excel for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing or sharing an Excel workbook containing a donut chart with linked percentage data in a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- The linked text boxes displaying percentages in the donut chart are invisible when the workbook is opened in Excel for the Web, despite rendering perfectly in the desktop application.
Ensure you have access to the desktop version of Excel, as you will need it to modify the chart's label elements to a format supported by the web browser.
Use Built-in Data Labels Instead of Linked Text Boxes
Replace unsupported linked text boxes with standard chart data labels that are fully supported and visible in Excel for the Web.
Excel for the Web has limited support for dynamic shapes and linked text boxes. Using the native Data Labels feature ensures cross-platform compatibility.
Open your workbook in the desktop version of Excel and click anywhere on your donut chart to activate the chart tools.
Click the '+' (Chart Elements) icon that appears next to the top right corner of the chart, and check the box for 'Data Labels'.
Right-click the newly added labels and select 'Format Data Labels'. In the side panel, check the box for 'Percentage' and uncheck 'Value'.
Click on the original linked text boxes that were failing to display and press the Delete key to remove them.

Convert the Linked Text Box to a Static Value
If you prefer the exact formatting of your text box, manually type the percentage value instead of linking it to a cell formula.
Open the File in Excel Desktop App
Bypass the web browser limitations entirely by launching the file directly in the full desktop application.
Use WPS Office for Reliable Chart Rendering
Don't let browser limitations restrict your data visualization. WPS Office provides a robust, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, offering full support for complex charts, linked text boxes, and advanced spreadsheet features without missing data.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do linked text boxes disappear in Excel for the Web?
Excel for the Web is a streamlined version of the desktop application designed for browser performance. It currently does not support certain advanced graphical elements, including shapes and text boxes that dynamically link to cell values.
Can I make my donut chart look identical on both web and desktop?
Yes, but you must use universally supported features. Instead of relying on custom text boxes linked to cells, use the built-in 'Data Labels' feature within the chart settings, which renders perfectly across all versions.
Is my chart data lost if it doesn't show up online?
No, your data is completely safe. The issue is purely visual within the browser. If you download the file or open it in the desktop version of Excel, the linked text box and its percentage will reappear instantly.




