A running total tells you how much has piled up, while a rate shows how quickly...

https://zandersnewop-ed.lucialpiazzale.com/when-should-i-use-a-step-graph-instead-of-a-line-graph

A running total tells you how much has piled up, while a rate shows how quickly it changes. Using parcels as an example, this article connects units like parcels and parcels per hour to clear time windows, so you can read each number in context.