Which of the following is the best rule to follow for ordering the pieces of the pie in a pie chart?

• A. Place the largest slice at the bottom and arrange the rest randomly.
• B. Order the slices based on the color spectrum from red to violet.
• C. Arrange the slices in descending order of size, starting at the top and moving clockwise.
• D. Arrange the slices in alphabetical order based on category names.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the goal of ordering slices in a pie chart is to make the chart easy to read and interpret quickly.
2. Recognize that arranging slices in descending order of size helps viewers immediately identify the largest categories and compare sizes effectively.
3. Note that starting at the top (12 o'clock position) and moving clockwise is a standard convention that aligns with how people naturally read circular charts.
4. Consider why other options, such as ordering by color spectrum or alphabetically, might confuse the viewer or obscure the relative sizes of the slices.
5. Conclude that the best practice is to arrange the slices in descending order of size, starting at the top and moving clockwise, to enhance clarity and comprehension.