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How do I use the Stacked Area Chart widget?
How do I use the Stacked Area Chart widget?
Visually analyze your data by showing the distribution of different categories over time.
Paul Wicker avatar
Written by Paul Wicker. Updated over a week ago

The three types of Stacked Area Charts

The Stacked Area Chart shows the contribution of different categories to an actual total over time. It’s great for conducting part-to-whole analysis. For example, use it to see which networks contribute the most to the overall number of impressions.

The 100% Stacked Area Chart shows the change in the distribution of categories as parts of a whole over time, where actual total doesn’t matter (like showing a pie chart over time). It’s great for seeing how different entities contribute percentage-wise to an overall metric. For example, use it to see which network contributes the highest percentage of clicks over Q1.

The Cumulative Stacked Area Chart shows the contribution of different categories to a cumulative total over time (like showing a stacked progress widget over time). It’s great for seeing how different entities contribute to progress towards a goal. For example, use it to show progress of spend towards a specific budget.

Tips for when to (and when not to) use an Area Chart)

An Area Chart is best used when:

  • You want to understand the part to whole relationship

  • You have a smaller number of categories

  • You want to understand data series over time

  • You have larger differences between data points

A different type of chart is better when:

  • You are charting any percentage based metric, e.g. CTR 

  • You have a large number of data points or only one data point

  • When you want to compare two different time frames

How to create a Stacked Area Chart

Step 1: Click the Area Chart widget on the Side Pane to open the edit widget menu

Step 2: Title your widget

Step 3: Select the entities you want to include

  • Choose a level of granularity from the “Show Me” dropdown

  • Choose the specific networks, accounts, campaigns, etc. from which you want to pull data from the “From the Following” drop-down; Another box will appear for you to select specific entities

Step 4: Choose the KPI(s) you want to include from the "Fields" section

Step 5: Select a date range

Step 6: Select the style of Area Chart you want to use [only in cross-network widgets]

Step 7: Customize your data view with the following additional options below the date range selector:

  • Sort by a certain metric

  • Count: increase or decrease the number of ads in your table

  • Order your data

  • Filter by status (active, all, etc.) 

  • Select a display style (visuals only, metrics, ad name, etc.)

  • Customize the width of your widget

Step 8: Add filters and/or goals lines as necessary.

Have questions about the Area Chart widget? Feel free to reach out to us at support@adstage.io.

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