Stacked Area Chart

The stacked area chart combines the best of area charts and stacked bar charts. Multiple colored areas are stacked on top of each other, showing how both the total and its components evolve over time. You can see the overall trend while also understanding which parts are growing or shrinking. Ideal for showing how market share shifts or how different revenue sources contribute over time.

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Example generated in PrettyChart

How to create a Stacked Area chart

Start from a CSV/Excel file, paste data in the spreadsheet, or use Draw Chart to sketch a Stacked Area chart.
Optional: import a chart screenshot and extract data automatically, then double-check the result.
Optionally accept AI suggestions for chart type and style, or keep full manual control.
Choose your Label column and select two or more Value columns (each becomes a series).
Choose a template + theme, then adjust colors, patterns, and light effects to match your Stacked Area style.
Export as PNG once the chart looks perfect.

Create in PrettyChart → Or start with Draw Chart →

When to use

Showing composition change over time
Total trend is as important as parts
2-5 series
All values are positive

When to avoid

Comparing individual series precisely (use multi-line)
Many series (becomes hard to read)
Some values are negative

Data requirements

1 Label column

2+ Value columns

2+ Data rows

Data format: One label column (time) + multiple value columns (each becomes a layer)

Common use cases

Market share evolution

Revenue mix over time

Traffic source trends

Portfolio composition

Stacked Area chart comparisons

Stacked Area Chart vs Area Chart

Use an area chart when you want to emphasize volume over time. Use a line chart when exact values and trend clarity matter most.

Area Chart →

Stacked Area Chart vs Multi-Line Chart

Choose a Stacked Area chart when it matches your data format (one label column (time) + multiple value columns (each becomes a layer)).

Multi-Line Chart →

Styling a Stacked Area chart

Prioritize readability: shorter labels and fewer categories make a Stacked Area chart easier to scan.
For presentations, pick a theme with strong contrast between text and background.
Use subtle patterns or a light effect if bars/areas feel too flat or hard to separate.
For dense time series, consider switching to a Line chart for a clearer trend story.

FAQ

What is a Stacked Area chart?

Stacked Area charts turn your dataset into a clear visual using: One label column (time) + multiple value columns (each becomes a layer). They're a good fit for market share evolution.

When is a Stacked Area chart the right choice?

Use a Stacked Area chart when showing composition change over time and total trend is as important as parts. It works best when labels and values match the requirements on this page.

Can I upload CSV/Excel to generate a Stacked Area chart?

Import CSV/Excel, choose the label/value columns, then style your Stacked Area chart and export as PNG.

Does PrettyChart recommend a chart type and design automatically?

Yes. You can use AI recommendations after upload, or ignore them and choose chart type + style yourself.

Can I create a Stacked Area chart by drawing or from an existing chart image?

Yes. You can start with Draw Chart (sketching) or upload an existing chart image to extract data, then refine the Stacked Area chart in the editor.