What type of graph is best for showing proportions?

A pie chart is particularly well-suited for displaying proportions because it visually represents parts of a whole. Each slice or segment of the pie corresponds to a category's contribution relative to the entire dataset, making it easy for viewers to understand the relative sizes of different segments at a glance. The circular format allows for quick comparisons among categories in terms of percentage, providing clarity on how each part contributes to the total.

In contexts where understanding the composition of a dataset is crucial—like market share, budget distribution, or survey results—pie charts effectively communicate the proportional relationships within the data. This makes them a popular choice when the goal is to emphasize how individual elements relate to the overall total.