An area chart displays data values as a set of points connected by a line, with the area shaded below the line. You use an area chart to present data that occurs over a continuous period of time. For example, you can use an area chart to view the percentage of orders and the corresponding unit volume for trains, ships, and planes over three months.

A stacked area chart consists of multiple series stacked vertically. Overlay area charts show areas from each series independent of each other. The areas appear by joining the values for the series. In an overlay area chart, the areas of multiple series overlap. In a percent stacked area chart, multiple series are stacked vertically and the values appear as a percentage of the total.