Summary

This is an example of a 100% stacked area chart. This tricky chart type can be quite hard to read. The idea is to visually show a percentage distribution across categories at specific intervals, but you lose the ability to compare absolute numbers, unless you add as data labels. In this case, data labels are only used to display the series name.

So, what can you see with this chart? Primarily, you can see that sales of Retrobags are collapsing while Organic Flannel makes up the slack. Hammocks and Banjo Packs are relatively stable. But what you can't see is if overall sales are increasing (they are) or decreasing.

Have you got a good example of a useful 100% stacked area chart? Leave a comment below if so, I'd like to add more good examples.

The data used to plot this chart looks like this:

Data used to plot 100% Stacked Area Chart

How to create this chart

  1. Select the data and select line chart on the ribbon:
    Insert line chart from ribbon
  2. Select the 100% Stacked Area option under 2d area
    Select the 100% Stacked Area option under 2d area
  3. Chart as inserted
    Chart as inserted
  4. Select and delete legend
  5. Add data labels to chart:
    Add data labels to chart
  6. Select each data series. Check Series Name, then uncheck Value:
    Select each data series one at a time and configure to show series name
  7. Final 100% Stacked Area chart before title and size changes:
    Final 100% Stacked Area chart before title and size changes​​​​​​​
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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.