An area chart represents data plotted as a series of points connected by straight lines. The area between the points and the lines is filled with shading or color, creating a three-dimensional effect. Area charts display changes in data over time or compare values between different data sets. Area charts are a great way to visualize data and see patterns. Keep reading to learn about the area chart.
What is an area chart?
Area charts are used to display the changes in data over time. They are similar to line charts, but instead of plotting points on a line, they plot areas between lines. This makes them ideal for displaying data that changes gradually throughout time, such as the change in temperature over a day. The values of the points determine the height and width of the corresponding cells. The area between the markers is filled in with color or shading, creating a visual representation of how much data is associated with each point. There are many ways to use area charts in business, but some of the most common ways are to show changes in data over time, to show the proportions, and to compare data.
What is the area chart used for?
Since its introduction, the area chart has been used extensively in various fields, including business, economics, and science. One advantage of the area chart is that it can easily show changes in trends over time. When formatting an area chart, you’ll want to make sure that the data you’re representing is easy to understand. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure that the y-axis is in linear scale and that the data starts at zero. This will make it easy to compare the values on the chart.
- Use different colors or shades to indicate how much change has occurred.
- If you’re charting more than one series of data, use different colors or shades for each.
- Use labels to indicate the values of each data point.
- Use a legend to explain the colors or shades used in the chart.
What are the different types of area charts?
Area charts are one of the most commonly used chart types in business, and for a good reason, they are great for visualizing changes in data over time. However, there are a few different types of area charts:
Stacked: The stacked area chart is perfect for showing cumulative totals. It can be used to compare the relative size of different items or to track changes in data over time.
Clustered: The clustered area chart is good for comparing values at specific points in time. It can be used to show how different items compare to each other at a specific point in time or to track changes in data over time.
100% Stacked: The 100% stacked area chart is similar to the stacked area chart, but it shows the relative contribution of each item to the total. This type of chart can be used to track changes in data over time.
When choosing data to be charted, it’s important to select data that is meaningful and easy to understand. The data should also be broken down into periods so that the changes can be easily seen.
Area charts are used today to compare values between different points in time or between two different data sets. The area chart is similar to the line chart, except that it uses shaded areas rather than lines to indicate changes in value. This makes it easier to see overall trends and differences between data sets. Area charts can be used for both categorical and numerical data.
