What is the difference between a stacked column chart and a clustered column chart?

A stacked column chart and a clustered column chart serve different purposes in data visualization. A stacked column chart is designed to show the composition of individual categories as it relates to a whole. Each segment of the stacked columns represents a different category, stacked on top of one another, allowing the viewer to see both the total of all parts and the contribution of each part to that total at a glance. This is particularly useful for understanding how different segments contribute to the overall total across categories.

In contrast, a clustered column chart displays multiple sub-categories for each main category side by side, facilitating comparison between those sub-categories. Each column in the cluster represents a specific data point, which enables easier visual comparison across categories but does not illustrate how these data points contribute to a whole.

The correct answer captures the distinction that the clustered column chart showcases totals as individual items placed side by side without accumulating them, while the stacked column chart visually depicts how parts make up a whole through stacking. This fundamental difference in presentation makes them suitable for different types of analysis, reinforcing how data can be interpreted based on the visualization chosen.