Area Chart Maker

An area chart is a line chart with the space beneath each line filled in. The shaded region emphasizes volume and magnitude, making it ideal for showing how a quantity accumulates over time or how several series combine into a total. Enter your data, tune the curve and fill, optionally stack the series, and export a polished PNG.

When to use an area chart: choose it over a plain line chart when the size of the quantity matters as much as its direction — total traffic, cumulative sales, or the combined output of several sources over time.

Common Use Cases

Volume Over Time

Highlight the magnitude of traffic, revenue, or usage as it changes across a period.

Cumulative Totals

Stack multiple series to show how each one contributes to a running total.

Composition Trends

See how the mix of categories shifts over time, not just the overall total.

How to Create an Area Chart

Enter Your Data

Type sequence labels (months, dates) in the first column and values beside them. Use Add Row for more points or Import to paste from Excel or Google Sheets.

Add Series

Click Dataset to layer another filled area. Multiple series can overlap or be stacked, depending on the story you want to tell.

Tune Curve, Fill & Stack

In Chart Options, set Curve Tension for smoothness, adjust Fill Opacity so overlapping areas stay readable, and enable Stacked to show cumulative totals.

Export as PNG

Add a title, position the legend, then click PNG for a 2x-resolution image on a white background.

Live preview: tension, fill opacity, and stacking all redraw the chart instantly as you adjust them.

Features & Modes

Overlapping vs. Stacked

Overlapping

Areas drawn on the same baseline

Each series filled from zero
Compare individual magnitudes
Lower fill opacity to see through overlaps

Stacked

Areas piled on top of each other

Series add up into a total
Top edge shows the grand total
Each band shows its contribution

Customization Tools

Curve Tension

Switch between straight edges and smooth, flowing curves.

Fill Opacity

Make overlapping areas semi-transparent so every series stays visible.

Excel & CSV Import

Paste rows from a spreadsheet and the table fills automatically.

Mind the overlap. With several un-stacked areas, lower areas can hide behind higher ones. Reduce the fill opacity, or stack the series, to keep everything legible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between area and line charts?

An area chart fills the space below the line, which emphasizes volume and magnitude. A line chart focuses purely on the trend. Use an area chart when the size of the quantity matters, not just its direction.

Can I stack multiple areas?

Yes. Enable Stacked in Chart Options and the series pile on top of each other. The top edge then represents the combined total, while each band shows one series' contribution.

How do I keep overlapping areas readable?

Lower the Fill Opacity so each area becomes semi-transparent and you can see the series behind it. For more than two or three un-stacked series, stacking is usually clearer.

Can I make the lines curved?

Yes. Raise the Curve Tension slider to smooth the top edge of each area into gentle curves, or set it to 0 for straight segments between points.

Can I import data from a spreadsheet?

Yes. Click Import and paste cells from Excel or Google Sheets. Both tab-separated and comma-separated formats are detected automatically.

Does my data leave my device?

No. The chart renders and exports entirely in your browser, so your data is never uploaded anywhere.