Beginnertrends
Area Chart
A line chart with the area below filled, emphasizing volume and magnitude.
Quick Facts
Complexity
beginner
Category
trends
Area Chart · Example Data
When to use a Area Chart
- When magnitude or volume is as important as the trend
- Cumulative metrics like revenue or users over time
- Showing where two series overlap (use semi-transparent fills)
- A single series where fill improves the sense of scale
About the Area Chart
An area chart is a line chart with the region between the line and the x-axis filled with color. The filled area helps readers perceive the magnitude of values over time, making cumulative or volume-based metrics feel more tangible.
Use an area chart when the volume or total amount is the key story. For comparisons between trends, a line chart with multiple lines is often cleaner than overlapping areas.