Area Chart vs. Line Chart: When to Use Each
If you’re trying to determine the best chart for your business needs, then you may want to compare two of some of the most used types: area charts and line charts. The area between the x-axis and the line is filled in with color or a pattern in an area chart. Meanwhile, a line chart only displays a single line connecting the data points. For example, you might want to see how the average temperature has changed over the past few years. But what else should you know about these types of graphs? How do you know when not to use an area chart and use a line graph instead? Below, you’ll find out more about each one and its best applications.
What is an Area Chart?
Area charts are used to compare values between two or more data sets. They are best used when you want to see the magnitude of the difference among the data and when you want to see the distribution of values. It is also best used when you have more than two data points to display. Area charts show the trend of a single data series or compare two or more data series.
What is a Line Chart?
The line chart is used to compare values between two or more data sets. The line is drawn between the points in the data, and the chart can be used to compare the values of the data sets. These graphs are good for showing how a value changes over time.
When Should You Use an Area Chart vs. a Line Chart?
There is no definitive answer as to when to use an area chart vs. a line chart, as it depends on the specific data and desired outcome. However, in general, an area chart is used to display changes in data over time, while a line chart is used to track the exact values of data points over time.
For example, if you wanted to visualize the sales growth of a company over a period of five years, you would use an area chart. This is because you are interested in the overall trend of the data, not the individual values. However, if you wanted to see the sales figures for each individual year, you would use a line chart.
The area chart can also be used to display changes in values over time for a specific category. Line charts can do the same but it’s best used when you have less than two data points to display.
Are There Different Types of Area Charts?
The stacked vertical bar area chart is the most common type of area chart. It is used to compare the changes in data values over time. The height of each bar in the chart represents the total value of the data for that time period. The area between the bars is shaded in proportion to the data values.
A stacked horizontal bar area chart is very similar to the stacked vertical bar area chart. The only difference is that the bars are displayed horizontally instead of vertically. This type of chart is used to compare the changes in data values over time. The height of each bar in the chart represents the total value of the data for that time period. The area between the bars is shaded in proportion to the data values.
The clustered bar area chart has the height of each bar representing the total value of the data for that time period. The area between the bars is shaded in proportion to the data values. However, instead of displaying all of the data in a single chart, the data is divided into clusters. This makes it easier to compare the data values for each time period.
Are There Different Types of Line Charts?
There are many different types of line charts. A simple line chart has data points connected by straight lines. Spline charts connect data with smooth curves, allowing for non-linear data. Step charts connect by straight lines, with each line representing a different category or time period.
If you’re interested in using these charts, make sure that the visualization types are the best choice for your data and business needs.
