What is an Area Chart?
An area chart represents the change in one or more quantities over time, similar to a line chart, but with the area between the line and the X-axis filled with color or shading. It is useful for emphasizing the magnitude of change over time.
When should you use an Area Chart?
Choose an area chart when:
- You want to show **cumulative totals** or volume developments over time.
- You need to highlight **the absolute sizing or weight** of a metric, rather than just the trend trajectory.
- You are comparing a **part-to-whole relationship** over a timeline (stacked area chart).
Area Chart vs. Line Chart
While line charts are best for comparing values and trajectories, area charts are better for demonstrating overall volume. Use a line chart if you have many intersecting series, as overlapping filled shapes in an area chart can quickly become cluttered and unreadable.