21 funny Venn diagrams to inspire you

Venn diagrams are a simple way to illustrate links and differences between two or more sets of data — whether that be an idea, a role, a person, or — well, anything, really. As you’ll soon see.

They’re commonly used in mathematics and other data-heavy subjects, but they’ve more recently been hijacked and turned into something of a tool for funny comparisons for all kinds of life situations.

The good news is, Venn diagrams are really easy to create — so if you want to try making some yourself, we’ll tell you exactly how to do it. Let’s get into it!

What is a Venn diagram?

First, a quick history lesson. Venn diagrams (aka primary diagrams, set diagrams, or logic diagrams) are diagrams that show the logical link between sets. They consist of circles, ellipses, and/or closed curved shapes. They can be simple line drawings or filled in with colour. 

Created by John Venn in the 1880s, they were originally used to teach set theory and show relationships between probability, logic, statistics, linguistics, and computer science. Nowadays, you’ll see them everywhere, from marketing to meme culture. 

When should you use a Venn diagram? 

Sometimes, a couple of overlapping circles say more than a wall of text ever could.

Venn diagrams simplify complex ideas, helping you compare, contrast, and identify commonalities between different concepts. This could range from mapping team roles to figuring out which takeaway everyone can agree on.

They’re also super versatile. You can use them in a workshop, drop one into a presentation, or even just sketch one out to organise your thoughts. They make abstract connections feel visual and surprisingly satisfying.

And of course, they’re not just for serious work. Venn diagrams have taken on a second life as a fun, creative way to explain everyday logic, observations, and internet jokes — often with scary accuracy, as you’ll see in the list below! 

21 funny Venn diagram examples to inspire you 

The word ‘diagram’ might conjure up images of flowcharts and other process-driven work creations. But, like all diagrams (including flowcharts), the humble Venn can be subverted for comedic purposes. So without further ado, here are some of our favorites to bring a smile to your face.

1. The “an introduction to Venn diagrams” Venn diagram

First, here’s a Venn diagram to help us unpack the name, which (as this diagram helpfully illustrates) is made up of the words ‘Venn’ and ‘diagram.’

2. Venn introduction, part 2 

And another version, just to help it stick. 

3. The “tell me Y” Venn diagram

An all-time favorite. Consisting of three simple circles, this example shows the intersection between statistics professors, four-year-old children, and The Backstreet Boys — three distinct groups that, at first glance, appear to have very little in common, save for one thing.

4. The barely-related Venn diagram

Sometimes things make sense on paper, but the reality — not such a happy marriage. The Venn diagram below shows how two sets of people that seem like they’d be a match made in heaven really have far less in common than initially thought. (For those unacquainted with The Hobbit, it features a lot of hiking, camping, and singing songs.)

5. The no-relation Venn diagram

Not all Venn diagrams need to show a crossover between two sets of things. Sometimes they’re mutually exclusive, as the example below shows.

6. The no-relation Venn diagram, meta edition

Who says you can’t use a  Venn diagram to illustrate a  Venn diagram concept? 

7. The social commentary Venn diagram

Who needs a 2000-word opinion piece when you can sum up reddit subcultures with a pithy  Venn? In this instance, the diagram neatly uses one thing to explain the other. 

8. The three-way Venn diagram

Venn diagrams don’t need to be limited to two items — as you’ll see in the example below. Here, three circles show a more complex series of intersections: adding one extra circle has allowed four crossovers, with one small, green, grammar-inept creature being the uniting… force (sorry).

9. The iconic meme Venn diagram 

Here’s some  Venn diagram lore for you. One of the earliest known Venn diagram jokes appeared online in 2006, featuring three overlapping circles labeled Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and Tooth Fairy — with their shared middle ground pointing to a loss of belief. It was an early example that helped set the tone for how Venn diagrams would evolve into a popular internet format for dry, insightful humor.

10. The euphemistic Venn diagram

It’s not always easy to know what people really mean — but with this handy Venn diagram, you can read between the lines. Brutal, yet useful.

11. The  Venn diagram of emotions

What better way to explain overlapping emotions than with a  Venn diagram? 

12. The Venn diagram guide to cooking 

Not fond of following recipes? Tired of scrolling through the author’s life story before getting to the goods? This Venn diagram might be of interest. Although on second thoughts, with no measurements, timings, or instructions, it probably works better as a shopping list. 

13. The “how to win at work” Venn diagram

Did we mention Venn diagrams can be funny AND inspiring? This diagram is a brilliant way to help you figure out your passion and how to make that into a lucrative career.

14. The educational Venn diagram 

Speaking of intersections — here are two that straddle the line between educational, fun, and funny (feel free to make the corresponding diagram). First, one showing the intersection between US states and scientific elements (surprisingly more than you think). 

15. The American history Venn diagram 

Another educational one that shows how famous US presents left the White House. 

15. The “it’s all in the delivery” Venn diagram

This four-set Venn diagram is a perfect way to bring the phrase “it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it” to life. Here are four seemingly unrelated sets with more things in common than meets the eye. Note how adding another circle more than doubles the number of intersections. One, four, nine…

17. The self-aware Venn diagram

Can you make Venn diagrams about Venn diagrams? Of course you can! The example below proves it. Bonus points to the creator here for using an actual coffee cup ring stain to represent one of the circles.

18. Two tragically self-aware Venn diagrams 

Another painfully self-aware creation that shows the complex nature of motivation, life choices, and financial reward. Unfortunately, these things don’t always overlap. 

19. More painful self-awareness 

Different layout, same vibe. 

20. The “laugh at a bad situation” Venn diagram

There are few things more frustrating than tech not doing what it’s supposed to do. So how do you deal with all that pent-up irritation? Let loose with a snarky Venn diagram, of course.

Ideal for work situations, they’re a great way to let off steam and put a smile on your colleagues’ faces. Dodgy printers, overly complicated processes, and demanding clients are all ripe for ridicule here.

21. The failed Venn diagram

If you’re going to make a Venn diagram, at least learn the basics. These Venns that popped up all over NYC by smartphone case manufacturer Speck, sadly, didn’t make the grade. Why? Because people who check the slot for quarters and people who don’t are mutually exclusive sets — so there shouldn’t be a crossover (we refer you to fig. 2: the no-relation Venn). Just… no.

The company’s response:

OK, so they may have failed at Venn diagrams, but they won at free publicity: Irritated New Yorkers were vocal about their feelings, meaning Speck’s name was splashed all over Twitter.

Create Venn diagrams in minutes with Cacoo 

Venn diagrams are an easy way to show relationships (or lack of) between two or more different sets. Not only are they simple to understand — they’re fun and straightforward to create, especially when you use a diagramming tool.

Cacoo’s diagram tool is an easy way to make a Venn diagram online. Simply choose your template, then edit it by dragging and dropping shapes, words, images, and colors onto your canvas. With loads of design tools to choose from, it’s simple to customize the way it looks. Plus, because it’s online, you can invite other team members in to add comments, share, view, or edit at any time. Give it a try for free today!