Stacked Area Charts | Show Multi-Metric Trends with Cumulative Emphasis
Stacked Area Charts are ideal for visualizing multiple metrics over time or any continuous sequence—while also highlighting their cumulative impact. Each data series is stacked atop the previous one, making it easy to assess individual trends and total volume simultaneously.
The Edilitics Visualization module lets you create Stacked Area Charts using a point-and-click interface, complete with rich formatting controls, governed datasets, and customizable tooltips. Built-in logic ensures your chart respects filters, aggregations, and definitions defined at the org level.
When to Use a Stacked Area Chart
| Use Case | Why This Chart Works |
|---|---|
| Visualize multi-metric growth | Highlights how each series contributes to total change over time |
| Compare part-to-whole dynamics | Shows how sub-metrics scale relative to the overall volume |
| Detect seasonal shifts | Useful for uncovering recurring fluctuations across multiple series |
| Monitor KPIs in context | View multiple metrics in parallel while preserving overall trajectory |
| Build cumulative performance views | Great for showing stack-ups like costs, sessions, or order volume |
Chart Configuration in Edilitics
Inputs Required
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1 Category Field (X-Axis)
Represents a time-like or ordinal dimension (e.g.,
Month,Week,Delivery Slot) -
2–10 Numeric Fields (Y-Axis)
Represent the stacked metrics (e.g.,
MRP,Units Delivered,Sessions,Returns)
📌 X-axis values are automatically sorted using string-aware numeric logic to preserve trend continuity.
How to Configure a Stacked Area Chart
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Select "Stacked Area" from the Chart Library
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Choose your X-axis (column) and multiple Y-axis (row) fields
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Configure area fill and color scheme
Distinct colors are applied per metric using an auto-generated gradient (editable under Format → Fill)
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Adjust stacking behavior
Choose between absolute values or percentage-based stacking in the Format panel
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Enable tooltips and labels
Customize hover tooltips with decimal precision, units (
K,M,%,₹), and value casing -
Apply legend and axis settings
Toggle legend visibility, reposition, and label each line clearly to enhance readability
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Embed into dashboards
Use this chart to track multivariate changes across time in performance dashboards
Feature Highlights
Stacked Area Geometry
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Each data series is layered vertically to communicate both individual magnitude and overall sum
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Fill areas are drawn with interpolation, preserving smooth visual flow across time
Multi-Metric Coloring and Legends
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Distinct color palettes are auto-assigned to each series using a gradient generator
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Legends are generated from your Y-axis fields and support reorder, rename, and toggle-on/off
Custom Tooltip Design
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Fully governed tooltips adapt to dark/light mode and allow:
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Precision control for numbers
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Conditional styling per field (e.g., color, font)
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Percentage, currency, and scientific display units
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Grid & Axis Styling
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Modify X and Y axis tick spacing, line styles, and title placement
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Show/hide gridlines to support value alignment across intervals
Data Handling & Formatting
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Edilitics auto-filters out null/undefined Y-axis values
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You can customize prefix/suffix, thousands separators, decimal formats, and more
Best Practices for Stacked Area Charts
| Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Sort X-axis in temporal order | Ensures accurate trend perception and avoids data jumps |
| Limit to 10 series max | Prevents visual overload; too many stacks reduce clarity |
| Use consistent Y-axis scale | Enables meaningful comparisons across charts and dashboards |
| Annotate high-volume segments | Draws attention to peak periods or key contributors |
| Maintain distinct series colors | Reinforces part-to-whole understanding via visual consistency |
| Enable interactivity where helpful | Tooltips and legends aid self-service exploration |
How Edilitics Is Different
Most tools allow freeform area stacking without regard to data consistency or governance. Edilitics enforces:
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Pre-cleansed datasets with defined transformations
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Stack order that reflects your schema logic
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Consistent aggregation methods across visualizations
You get trusted, explainable visuals that integrate seamlessly with the rest of your governed analytics layer.
Stacked Area Charts in Edilitics make it simple to visualize cumulative multi-metric trends—whether you're tracking delivery performance, sales pipelines, or seasonal spikes. With rich formatting, governed logic, and enterprise-grade interactivity, your team can confidently share insights that stand up to scrutiny.
Need Assistance? Edilitics Support is Here for You!