Which chart type is best for displaying a ratio to total?

A pie chart is particularly effective for displaying a ratio to total because it visually represents the proportion of each segment in relation to the whole. Each slice of the pie conveys a part of the total, making it intuitive for users to understand the contribution of each category. The circular form emphasizes the concept of parts-to-whole relationships, easily allowing viewers to see how each category compares with others and how they collectively contribute to the total.

In contrast, tree maps are primarily used for representing hierarchical data, which may not directly indicate total ratios as effectively as a pie chart. Bar charts can compare amounts across different categories but tend to be better suited for showing individual values rather than their proportions relative to a total. Line charts are ideal for displaying trends over time, but they do not represent part-to-whole relationships clearly, making them less suitable for demonstrating ratios to a total. Overall, the pie chart stands out as the optimal choice for effectively illustrating ratios to totals.