Pie chart

Definition

A pie chart is a circular graph divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportions. Each slice represents a category's contribution to the whole, making it easy to compare parts of a dataset.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The entire pie chart represents 100% of the data.
2. Each slice’s size is proportional to its percentage of the whole dataset.
3. Pie charts are most effective for displaying data with a limited number of categories.
4. Slices in a pie chart are typically labeled with either their percentage or actual values.
5. Pie charts can be visually appealing but may not be as precise for detailed comparisons as bar charts.

Review Questions

• What does each slice in a pie chart represent?
• Why might a pie chart be less effective than other types of graphs for detailed comparison?
• How is the size of each slice determined in a pie chart?

Related terms

Bar Chart: A graph that uses rectangular bars to represent different quantities or values across categories.

Histogram: A type of bar chart that displays the frequency distribution of a dataset.

Scatter Plot: A graph that uses dots to represent values obtained from two different variables, showing their correlation.