In data representation, what is the best way to display percentages of a whole?

A pie chart is an effective way to represent percentages of a whole because it visually depicts the proportional relationships between different parts of a dataset. Each slice of the pie corresponds to a category's percentage, making it easy to see how each part compares to the total. This visual representation allows for quick interpretation of data and emphasizes how each segment contributes to the entirety, which is particularly useful when dealing with categorical data where the focus is on parts of a whole, such as survey results or budget allocations.

In contrast, a bar graph emphasizes comparisons between different quantities and is better suited for showing changes over time or comparing distinct categories rather than parts of a whole. Similarly, a list provides information in a linear format without visual representation, which may not convey the relationship among parts effectively. A table organizes data into rows and columns but lacks the immediate visual impact needed to understand proportions at a glance. Therefore, the pie chart stands out as the most suitable tool for displaying percentages.