What type of data is best represented in a pie chart?

A pie chart is most effectively used to represent categorical data because it visually shows the proportions of different categories as slices of the pie, highlighting how each category contributes to the whole. Each slice's size is relative to the quantity of the specific category, making it intuitive to compare different categories at a glance.

For categorical data, where you categorize items into distinct groups (such as types of fruit, colors, or types of transportation), a pie chart allows viewers to quickly see which category is most or least significant in relation to the total. This visual representation is particularly helpful when the goal is to convey the composition of a whole.

In contrast, other types of data are less suited for a pie chart. Quantitative continuous data, for example, is often better represented on a line graph or histogram, as these formats effectively illustrate changes in value or distribution over a range. Trend data over time requires a timeline format to clearly show how values change, while frequency distribution data is more appropriately displayed through histograms or bar charts, as these can better illustrate the distribution of values across different intervals or categories.