3 Amazing Area Chart Examples & Ideas to Copy

A well-designed Area Chart can make a significant impact on your ability to communicate complex data effectively. Utilizing Area Chart templates available on Piktochart can streamline the process and help you create professional and visually appealing charts.

Before diving into creating your own Area Charts, it's essential to explore the best examples and practices for inspiration. Although a specific list of 3 examples is not provided, you can still learn about Area Charts, their use cases, and best practices from resources like the Complete Guide to Area Charts by Atlassian.

What is a Area Chart?

An Area Chart is a versatile data visualization tool that combines elements of line and bar charts to display the progression of numeric values for one or more groups over time. These charts are particularly useful in situations where comparisons between groups or the breakdown of a whole into component parts are necessary. There are two main types of Area Charts: overlapping area charts, which emphasize the comparison of values between groups, and stacked area charts, which track the total value and its breakdown by groups.

3 Area Chart Examples

Here are the top 3 Area Chart examples:

1. Colorful KPI Business Report Dashboard

The Colorful KPI Business Report Dashboard example exhibits a vibrant and dynamic design that is both visually captivating and easy to interpret. The layout is optimized for presenting key performance indicators (KPIs) in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that your audience can quickly grasp the essential information.

2. Modern Colorful Line Chart Diagram

The Modern Colorful Line Chart Diagram example exhibits a vibrant and contemporary design that is both visually appealing and easy to comprehend. The layout is optimized for presenting data in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that your audience can quickly grasp the essential information.

3. Orange Minimalist Area Chart & Progress Ring Infographic

The Orange Minimalist Area Chart & Progress Ring Infographic example presents a clean and modern design that is both visually appealing and easy to comprehend. The layout is optimized for presenting data in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that your audience can quickly grasp the essential information.

How to Create a Good Area Chart

• Choose the appropriate data structure: Ensure your data has two or more columns, with one column representing the categories and the other(s) representing the values.
• Select the right type of Area Chart: Determine whether an overlapping area chart or a stacked area chart best suits your data and purpose.
• Plot the lines and shaded areas: Create lines for each group and fill the areas beneath them to represent the values.
• Customize for clarity and readability: Adjust the order of lines in a stacked area chart, and consider using variations like percentage stacked area chart, ridgeline plot, or stream graph for better visualization.
• Review and refine: Keep your chart concise, avoid common mistakes, and seek feedback from others to ensure your Area Chart is polished and effectively communicates the intended information.

What to Avoid When Creating a Area Chart

• Avoid using an area chart for a single series: Area charts are best suited for visualizing multiple series of data. Using an area chart for a single series can be misleading and less effective than using a line or bar chart. To avoid this, choose the appropriate chart type based on your data and intended message.
• Don't misinterpret values in stacked area charts: In a stacked area chart, the values of individual groups are cumulative, which can lead to misinterpretation. To avoid this, consider using a percentage stacked area chart or a different chart type that better represents the data.
• Refrain from using too many series in overlapping area charts: Overlapping area charts can become confusing and difficult to read when there are too many series. To avoid this, limit the number of series in your chart and consider using alternative chart types like ridgeline plots or stream graphs for better visualization.
• Always include a zero-baseline: Not including a zero-baseline can lead to misinterpretation of data and an inaccurate representation of the values. To avoid this, always include a zero-baseline in your area chart.
• Consider the order of lines in stacked area charts: The order of lines in a stacked area chart can impact readability and interpretation. To improve clarity, arrange the lines in a logical order, such as by size or importance, and avoid random or arbitrary arrangements.

Create with Piktochart!

If you need help generating Area Charts, look no further than Piktochart, an online platform trusted by millions of users. Piktochart offers an easy-to-use drag and drop editor, integration with current workflows, and the ability to turn complex data into clear visuals. With its AI-powered infographic maker and a wide variety of templates, you'll be able to create stunning visual content in no time. To start creating with Piktochart, simply sign up using your Google account or by providing your email address and creating a password.