Stepped Area Charts

Stepped Area Charts show data points connected by horizontal and vertical lines that create a "stair-step" appearance which emphasizes the exact points in time where data values change versus when they remain stable.

When to Use a Stepped Area Chart

• When you want to highlight specific points of change or irregularities in data over time, particularly when the data remains constant between changes; essentially, emphasizing the "steps" where the value changes rather than the overall trend. 
• To emphasize discrete changes: This chart type draws attention to exact moments when data values shift, making it ideal for showcasing abrupt changes.
• You can use a stepped area chart to compare multiple data series, highlighting differences in the timing and magnitude of changes.

When to Avoid Using a Stepped Area Chart

• Don’t use Stepped Area Charts if you want to display precise value comparisons – Stepped Area Charts emphasize the change between data points rather than the absolute values
• When you want to emphasize the overall trend of data over time, as the stepped design can obscure smooth fluctuations and make it difficult to see the overall curve. Instead, use a Line Chart
• Don’t use Stepped Area Charts if you want to focus on continuous trends

Example Use Cases for Stepped Area Charts

1. Comparing different pricing plans - they highlight price tiers and when they change across different options
2. Monitoring inventory levels: show when inventory is replenished or depleted, with flat lines indicating stable levels

Set-up Instructions

Below are the chart settings used to create the example Bubble chart shown above. 

1. Select which fields to include in the chart: 

2. Under the "Format" tab, select which fields to plot along the x and y axes. In this example, Month is selected for the x-axis with the "Group by this field" checkbox checked, and "New Deal #" is on the y-axis.

3. Under the "Customize" tab, you can enter a title for the chart, edit the labels of the x and y axes, and choose whether or not to have the steps on the chart connected to one another by checking or unchecking the "Connect Steps" checkbox (see red square below):

4. If you want to change the colors of your chart, you can do so by navigating to the chart view, then clicking on the View Menu and selecting "Change Colors":

Related articles: 
Charts Overview
Non-Stacked Area Charts
Stacked Area Charts