Want to Draw an Area Chart in Excel?

QI Macros makes it easy AND can help you draw better charts for analyzing your data.

Area Charts are Line Graphs Filled with Colors Below the Lines

Area charts can display each data set separately, like looking at several mountain ranges in the distance, or they can be stacked on top of each other to show the contribution of each data set to the whole.

Area Chart Example

Each Data Set Is Shown Separately
Watch for Data that may be Hidden like Plant 1

area chart created in Excel

Stacked Area Chart Example

Data is Stacked to Show the
Contribution of Each Set to the Total

stacked area chart in Excel

To Create an Area Chart in Excel

Just select your data, then click on the Insert Tab, then Area. There are various choices of area shapes (2-D, 3-D) and formats (area, stacked or 100% stacked.)

how to make area chart in excel

To Create Area Charts Using QI Macros add-in for Excel:

  1. Select your data.
  2. Click on QI Macros menu > Excel Charts > Area Chart.
  3. QI Macros will do the math and analysis for you.

Consider a Control Chart to Analyze One Data Set Over Time

A control chart is a smart line graph that makes calculations with your data and analyzes it for stability. To create a control chart in Excel, use an add-in like QI Macros. Download a 30 day trial and try it now.

area chart
Area Chart
line graph
Line Graph
control chart
Control Chart

Consider a Pareto Chart to Compare Categories of Data

If you are just interested in the total amount each data series contributes to the whole, you can run a Pareto chart on the totals. While its possible to create pareto charts in Excel, its time consuming, complicated, and the charts don't look as nice as the ones created by QI Macros. Download a 30 day trial and try it now.

Pareto Chart data set
pareto of totals


Stop using old technology!

Upgrade Your Excel and Data Analysis Skills to Smart Charts Using QI Macros.

Track Data Over Time

Primitive Chart
line graph
Line Graph
Smart Chart
control chart
Control Chart

Compare Categories

Primitive Chart
pie chart
Pie Chart
Smart Chart
pareto chart
Pareto Chart

Analyze Variation

Primitive Chart
bar or column chart
Bar or Column Chart
Smart Chart
histogram
Histogram

QI Macros add-in for Excel makes creating smart charts a snap.