When is it appropriate to use a pie chart for data representation?

Using a pie chart is particularly appropriate when dealing with whole numbers and not too many segments because it visually represents parts of a whole. The design of a pie chart allows viewers to easily perceive the proportion each segment contributes to the total, making it effective for illustrating simple distributions or percentages.

When the number of segments is limited—ideally no more than five or six—each slice can be distinctly interpreted, preventing confusion and allowing for clear comparisons of the sizes of the segments. This aligns with the fundamental purpose of a pie chart, which is to illustrate how different categories or groups contribute to an overall total.

In contrast, using a pie chart for comparing individual figures could lead to misinterpretations, as it is not designed for precise comparisons between multiple distinct values. Showing trends over time is better suited to line graphs, which highlight changes over intervals. Finally, displaying complex data sets requires more sophisticated visualizations, such as bar graphs or histograms, to effectively convey relationships or multiple variables without oversimplifying important details.