Area chart

Alternative name:

Area graph

This is like a line chart, but the area below the line is filled with colour or a gradient to show volume. Area charts are often used to tell a story about trends over time rather than about specific values.

Tips for use and when NOT to use

Focus on illustrating trends or cumulative changes over time rather than on individual values. Use colour sparingly to maintain clarity. Clearly label axes with the time period and units of measurement. Don't use for discrete data or if negative values are important.

Use case / Examples

1. To show the growth of investment in renewable energy over time.
2. To visualise a growth in website traffic.

Question example:

How has your organisation's travel budget changed over the past year?

Recommended Survey Question Types:

Date/Time response, Multiple mention, Numerical response, Ranking question, Rating scale, Single mention

Family
Function
Shape
Input

Alternative charts

Area chart stacked
Area chart stacked
Question example:
Which digital transformation initiatives have you prioritised in the past three years?
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