Which visual is ideal for showing cumulative totals over time?

The area chart is particularly well-suited for displaying cumulative totals over time because it visually emphasizes the total value as it accumulates, creating a continuous flow that is easy to interpret in terms of progress and trends. The filled area under the line helps to illustrate the cumulative nature of the data, allowing viewers to see not only the total amounts but also trends and variations over time.

In an area chart, the x-axis typically represents time progression, while the y-axis reflects the cumulative total. This provides a clear and immediate visual representation of how totals grow, making it easier for viewers to grasp long-term trends or shifts at a glance.

While a column chart and bar chart can also represent cumulative data, they may not convey the trend as fluidly as an area chart does since they present information in discrete amounts rather than a continuous cumulative total. A pie chart, on the other hand, is not appropriate for this purpose, as it is designed to display parts of a whole at a single point in time rather than changes over a period. Thus, the area chart stands out as the most effective visual for illustrating cumulative totals over time.