100% stacked: show absolute totals

100pct-stacked-show-absolute-totals

100% stacked bars must show absolute totals — percentages hide count; give the total per category so scale is judgeable.

Description

100% stacked bars must show absolute totals per category. Percentages alone hide count, so the total is needed for scale to be judgeable. Pass when 100% stacked bars include the absolute total per category alongside the percentage stack. Fail when they show percentages only, leaving readers unable to judge real magnitudes behind the 100% bars.

When to use

Rendering 100% stacked bar charts by category.

Not when

100% stacked bars that show percentages only with no absolute totals.

Agent hint

Add absolute totals per category on 100% stacked bars; percentages alone hide scale.

Pass

100% stacked bars include the absolute total per category.

Fail

100% stacked bars show percentages only.

Citations

NSW — Charts and graphs

https://designsystem.nsw.gov.au/docs/content/methods/charts-and-graphs.html