# Area

> A chart word, with the charts that use it.

**Definition.** An area is the filled space under a line, read for volume over time. The fill makes the amount visible, not only the direction, so an area chart suits balances, prices and volumes.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 011 · Area

- **01 The line.** The value at each point, joined left to right.
- **02 The area.** The fill under the line, read as the amount.

## Where you see it

- [011 · Area](https://usechartory.com/charts/area): Change over time · Crypto data
- [013 · Overlapping areas](https://usechartory.com/charts/overlapping-areas): Change over time · Crypto data
- [014 · Streamgraph](https://usechartory.com/charts/streamgraph): Change over time · Logistics data

## Common mistakes

- **Several areas on top of each other** Solid fills hide the series behind them. Use see-through fills, or lines.
- **An area for a rate** A fill reads as an amount. For a rate or a latency, a plain line says it better.

## Questions

### When is an area better than a line?

When the amount matters, not only the direction: a balance, a price, a volume.

### Does an area have to start at zero?

For amounts, yes. For prices it can fit the range, as long as the axis shows where it starts.

## Related terms

- [Time series](https://usechartory.com/glossary/time-series): Values recorded at regular moments, drawn left to right.
- [Stacked](https://usechartory.com/glossary/stacked): Parts placed on top of each other so the total stays visible.
- [Series](https://usechartory.com/glossary/series): One set of values drawn together, such as one line or one colour of bars.
- [Axis](https://usechartory.com/glossary/axis): The scale along the edge of a plot that gives marks their value.

## Area, overlapping areas, streamgraph and the other types.

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