How to Create an Area Chart in Excel? Simple Steps

In this tutorial, you will learn the important steps of how to create an area chart in Excel application. An area chart is the pictorial presentation of data in chart form that fills the space between the line and the axis. It creates a shaded area that clearly highlights the increasing value of the data series. This type of chart is mostly useful for showing trends and highlighting the size of values over time or across categories.

How to Create an Area Chart in Excel Sheet?

By following the steps below, you can create an area chart that improves the clarity and impact of your data presentations. It allows you to convey complex designs and relationships with ease.

1. Open Your Excel Spreadsheet:
   Start the Microsoft Excel application and open the spreadsheet containing the data you want to visualize on an Area chart.
2. Select Your Data:
   Highlight the range of cells that contains the data you want to represent in the area chart. Ensure your data has clear headers.
3. Go to the “Insert” Tab:
   Now go to the “Insert” tab located at the Excel ribbon at the top of the screen.
4. Choose “Area Chart”:
   In the “Charts” or “Chart Types” group, click on the “Area Chart” option. You’ll likely have various subtypes to choose from, such as basic area, stacked area, or 100% stacked area.
5. Insert the Chart:
   Click on the specific area chart subtype you want, and Excel will automatically insert the chart into your worksheet.
6. Adjust Chart Data and Labels:
   After inserting the chart, ensure that Excel correctly recognizes your data. If necessary, click on the chart, go to “Chart Design” or “Chart Tools,” and modify the selected data range or series labels.
7. Customize the Chart:
   Utilize the chart tools available in the ribbon to customize the appearance of your area chart. This includes changing colors, titles, axis labels, and other elements to suit your preferences.
8. Move or Resize the Chart:
   Click and drag the area chart to reposition it within the worksheet. You can also resize it by clicking and dragging on its corners.
9. Interact with Data Points:
   Click on individual data points or the area itself to select and modify them individually. Right-click on the chart to access various options, such as formatting data series or adding data labels.
10. Add Data Labels:
    Consider adding data labels to each data point or the end of each area to display specific values. This can enhance clarity in understanding the data.
11. Save Your Workbook:
    Save your Excel workbook to preserve the changes made to the area chart.
12. Update the Chart with New Data:
    If your source data changes, right-click on the chart and choose “Select Data.” Adjust the data range to update the chart accordingly.
13. Explore Advanced Chart Options:
    Depending on your needs, explore advanced options such as adjusting the axis scale, adding trendlines, or other features available in the Chart Tools.
14. Add Titles and Legends:
    Include a title and legend to make your chart more informative. Titles help convey the main message, while legends explain the colors or series represented in the chart.
15. Format Axes and Gridlines:
    Fine-tune the appearance of axes, gridlines, and other chart elements to align with your preferences.

By following the above steps, you can efficiently create an area chart in the Excel application. Try another example for exercising on an area chart.