Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help you explore and analyze complex data flow networks. These diagrams are ideal for visualizing the flow of information, resources, or goods through a system or organization. In this article, we will discuss the basics of Sankey charts, how to create your own, and how to implement this visual tool in your work.
What Are Sankey Charts?
Sankey charts are a type of diagram that use shapes to represent different elements or processes within a network. The shapes that are used are typically circles, squares, bars, and triangles. Each element or process is represented using these shapes and is connected by lines that represent the flow of data, goods, or resources between them.
How to Create a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is relatively easy and doesn’t require any specialized software. All you need is a pen, paper, and a little bit of creativity! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own Sankey chart:
1. Choose your data: The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to decide on the data that you want to visualize. This can be in the form of a spreadsheet, a database, or any other type of data source.
2. Organize your data: Once you have your data, you need to organize it in a way that makes sense to you. This is where the creativity comes in! There are no strict guidelines for organizing data in a Sankey chart, but it helps to make the flow of information more intuitive.
3. Draw your shapes: The next step is to draw the shapes that represent each element or process. You can draw the shapes using a pen or marker and color them appropriately.
4. Connect your shapes: Once you have drawn your shapes, you need to connect them using lines. These lines represent the flow of data or resources between the elements.
5. Add labels and labels: Finally, add labels to each shape to identify what they represent and add labels to the lines that show the direction of the flow.
Some Tips for Creating a Sankey Chart
Creating a Sankey chart is not only about creating a visual representation of your data, but it can also be a useful tool for your research or analysis. Here are some tips to help you create a good Sankey chart:
1. Use clear and simple shapes: Choose shapes that are easy to visualize and understand. If your shapes are too complex, it can be difficult to understand the flow of information.
2. Use consistent colors: Your shapes and lines should all be the same color to help you read the chart easily.
3. Add labels and labels at the top of the chart: This will help you quickly identify the direction of the flow and make it easier to read the chart.
4. Use color coding: Adding color coding to your chart can also make it easier to interpret the flow of information.
Applications of Sankey Charts
Sankey charts can be used in a wide range of applications, including business planning, project management, and research analysis. Some examples include:
1. Business planning: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources, like money or materials throughout a business plan to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
2. Project management: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of resources, like labor and materials, throughout a project to monitor progress and identify potential bottlenecks.
3. Research analysis: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of ideas, like concepts or hypotheses, throughout a research analysis to identify and prioritize research questions.
Conclusion
Sankey charts are a powerful visualization tool that can help you understand and analyze complex data flow networks. By following the tips we mentioned in this article, you can create a great Sankey chart and start using it in your work. With the right tools and approach, you can use this visual tool to make your data flow easier to interpret and analyze.

SankeyMaster

SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.