What type of data visualization is best for showing parts of a whole?

A pie chart is the best type of data visualization for showing parts of a whole because it displays data in a circular format, with each segment representing a proportion of the total. This visual representation allows viewers to easily compare the sizes of the segments to understand how each part contributes to the whole. Each slice of the pie can be labeled or colored differently to enhance clarity and make it easier for the audience to interpret the data at a glance.

In contrast, a line graph is primarily used to show trends over time, making it suitable for continuous data rather than discrete parts of a whole. A histogram is designed to represent frequency distributions and is best for showing the distribution of numerical data across various intervals. Pearson’s chart, while not a commonly referenced term in data visualization, may refer to correlation studies or statistical relationships, which also do not focus on illustrating parts of a whole like a pie chart does. Hence, the pie chart stands out as the most effective choice for this purpose.