Cumulative curve

Alternative name:

Pareto chart (when showing cumulative frequency/impact); ogive chart

This is a line graph that shows the running total of a variable over time or across categories. It's useful for understanding the accumulation of something and tracking progress towards a goal.

Tips for use and when NOT to use

Use when you want to focus on the overall trend rather than on individual data points. Clearly label the axes with the time period and units of measurement.

Use case / Examples

1. To show the cumulative adoption of a new technology over time.
2. To show the cumulative number of employees who have completed a new training program over time.

Question example:

Show the cumulative number of new customers acquired each quarter. [QUERY: This isn't a question we'd ask in a survey..? ]

Recommended Survey Question Types:

Date/Time response, Numerical response, Single mention