MakeCharts.co

Chart tools Change over time

Area chart

A line chart with the space beneath it filled in, emphasising volume.

When to use a area chart

Use it when the size of the value over time matters, not just its direction.

How to make one

  1. Paste your data into the Data box, or upload a CSV. The example shows the columns it needs.
  2. Add a title, subtitle and source under Text.
  3. Pick colours, a font and a size under Style: 16:9 for slides, 1:1 for WhatsApp and LinkedIn, 4:5 for Instagram posts, 9:16 for Stories, Reels and TikTok.
  4. Press Play to animate it, or Present to show it full screen.
  5. Press Share & export. On a phone, send the image, an MP4 video of the animation or a link straight to WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn. On a computer, copy it into your slides or download a PNG, SVG or PowerPoint file.

Everything runs in your browser. Your data isn't uploaded anywhere, and your last chart is remembered on this device.

Questions about the area chart

What data do I need for an area chart?

Two columns: dates, years or labels, then a number. Paste it from Excel or Google Sheets, upload a CSV, or connect a live Google Sheet.

When should I use an area chart?

Use it when the size of the value over time matters, not just its direction.

What's the most common mistake with an area chart?

Starting the axis above zero. The filled area implies an amount, so it should start at zero.

Can I animate it, download it or put it in PowerPoint?

Yes. Press Play to animate it, record an MP4 or GIF, or download a PNG, SVG or PowerPoint file. In PowerPoint it becomes a native chart you can restyle and edit. It's free, with no sign-up.

More in Change over time

Related charts

All chart tools

Line chart

Show how a value changes over time.

Multi-line chart

Compare several trends on one set of axes.

Stacked area chart

Show how the parts of a total change over time.

Spiral chart

Wind monthly data into a spiral, one loop per year, drawn year by year.

Streamgraph

A flowing, organic stacked area chart centred on a baseline.

Step chart

A line that moves in jumps, for values that change at set moments.

Line chart race

Lines that draw themselves over time, each led by its name and value.

Bar chart race

Animated bars that overtake each other as time passes.

Candlestick chart

Show open, high, low and close prices for each period.

Calendar heatmap

Colour every day of the year by its value.