Stacked Area
A stacked version of the area chart to compare several groups.
About
A stacked area chart is the extension of a basic area chart which displays the evolution of the value of several groups on the same graphic. The values of each group are displayed on top of each other, what allows to check on the same figure the evolution of both the total of a numeric variable, and the importance of each group.
If only the relative importance of each group interests you, you should probably draw a percent stacked area chart. It is the same thing, but proportion of each group are represented instead of absolute value.
Stacked area chart are criticized. Indeed, it can be hard to read the evolution of a specific group, since the reader has to substract the other groups in his mind. It is often better to use small multiple or line plot instead.
Common Mistakes
- Use it with care, try using small multiple or line chart instead.
- The group order (from bottom to top) can have an influence, try several orders.
Code
R graph gallery
Python gallery
D3.js gallery
Read More
See the dedicated page.