How to create a non-stacked area chart in Tableau

A non-stacked area chart produces similar insights to a stacked area chart. It is perfect when you want to understand the whole trend of your variables while also understanding the breakdown of the total by groups. You can then compare how each subgroup is contributing to the total over time, for example. It works well when more than two series are present. When only one series is plotted, then it becomes a simple area chart. At the same time, the number of series in a non-stacked area chart should be kept moderate as too many series may compromise its legibility.

Let’s now see how to build a non-stacked area chart on Tableau step-by-step. Our goal is to create a chart showing the trend over time of sales in each product category per month of a chosen year from the Sample Superstore data source.

Step 1. Create a stacked area chart

1. Connect to the data source Sample – Superstore.
2. Drag Order date to Columns. Right click on it and select the option Month May 2015.
3. Drag Sales to Rows. Tableau will generate a line graph automatically.
4. Go on the Marks card and in the dropdown menu select Area.

5. Drag Category (under Product) and drop it on Color in the Marks card.

Step 2. Make it a non-stacked area chart

1. Click Analysis at the top, hover to Stack Marks and tick Off. There you go!

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