Area Chart

• Select the data range you want to display in the chart. Make sure you have at least two columns: one for labels (e.g., years) and one or more for values (e.g., the number of trees sold);
• Click on Insert → Chart;
• In the Chart editor menu, choose the chart type Area chart;
• Ensure the correct data range is specified in the Data range section.

Example of Use

We'll use tree sales data to create a chart showing changes in the number of trees sold from 2018 to 2024.

• Highlight the range A1:A8, B1:B8, C1:C8 to include the headers and data;
• Click on Insert → Chart;
• In the Chart editor menu, select Area chart;
• Make sure the Data range section includes A1:A8, B1:B8, C1:C8. In the Series section, add Number of trees sold and Sales, placing Average Tree Price on the right vertical axis.

Interpreting the Chart

• Axes:
  • The horizontal axis will display the years;
  • The vertical axis will show the number of trees sold and the average price;
• Areas:
  • The area under the graph represents the number of trees sold, with color shading to visually distinguish different data categories.

Benefits of Area Charts

The primary advantage of an Area Chart over a Line Chart is that the shaded area beneath the line makes it easier to assess data volumes and cumulative values at a glance. This helps better visualize proportions and volumes, making the chart more informative for analysis.

Analyzing Results

In 2019, a record number of trees were sold—33.02 million. However, in 2024, there is a sharp increase in the average price to $74.70 per tree, significantly higher than in previous years. At the same time, total sales fluctuated, peaking in 2011 (30.8 million) and hitting a low in 2012 (24.5 million). Thus, there is a trend of rising tree prices alongside fluctuating sales volumes.