An area chart or area graph displays graphically quantitive data. It is based on the line chart

Line chart

A line chart or line graph is a type of graph, which displays information as a series of data points connected by straight line segments. It is a basic type of chart common in many fields. It is an extension of a scatter graph, and is created by connecting a series of points that represent...

. The area between axis and line are commonly emphasized with colors, textures and hatchings. Commonly one compares with an area chart two or more quantities.

Common uses

Area charts are used to represent cumulated totals using numbers or percentages (stacked area charts in this case) over time.