Chart areas are areas within the chart image that are used to display one or more data series. Each chart area has a plot area (used to plot the series), along with axes, tick marks and a chart title. Multiple chart areas can be displayed at the same time, and are stored in the ChartAreas collection property of the Chart object.

Series are used to store data points as well as visual attribute properties such as color and hatching. Each series is assigned a chart type, and a chart area that is used to display the series. If a chart area is not assigned, the Chart control does not display the series. All series are stored in the Series collection of the Chart object.