Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are used to visualize the direction and magnitude of data flow. They are particularly useful for showing the movement of materials, energy, or money between different entities or areas. In this guide, we will explore the basics of Sankey chart creation, as well as some tips for using them effectively in data visualization.

What is a Sankey chart?

A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that is used to visualize the movement of materials, energy, or money between different entities or areas. They are named after their creator, William Sankey, an American statistician who developed the chart in the early 20th century.

The chart consists of two main parts: the input area, which represents the source of the flow, and the output area, which represents the destination of the flow. The arrows between the two areas represent the flow of materials, energy, or money, and the length of the arrows represent the magnitude of the flow.

Advantages of using Sankey charts

There are several advantages to using Sankey charts for data visualization:

1. They are easy to understand: Sankey charts are a simple type of chart that are easy to understand, even for those who are not experienced with data visualization. The arrows and colors used in the chart make it clear which entity is the source and which is the destination of the flow.
2. They can show complex data: Sankey charts are particularly useful for visualizing complex data, such as the flow of materials, energy, or money between different entities. The chart can show the flow of materials or energy from one location to another, as well as the intermediate steps in the process.
3. They allow for easy modification: Sankey charts can be easily modified to show different types of flow, such as the flow of people or the flow of ideas. This makes them a versatile tool for data visualization.

How to create a Sankey chart

To create a Sankey chart, you will need the following information:

1. A list of the input and output entities in your dataset
2. A list of the names of each entity
3. A list of the flow directions, which are represented by arrows in the chart
4. A list of the magnitudes of the flows, which are represented by the length of the arrows

Once you have this information, you can create the Sankey chart using a charting tool or software. Many charting tools, such as Excel or R, have built-in Sankey chart functions that make it easy to create a chart.

Tips for using Sankey charts effectively

1. Use clear and descriptive labels: When creating a Sankey chart, it is important to use clear and descriptive labels for each input and output entity, as well as the flow directions and magnitudes of the flows. This will help make the chart easier to understand.
2. Use colors to highlight important information: Colors can be used to highlight important information in a Sankey chart, such as the input source or the destination of a flow.
3. Show the flow direction with arrows: It is important to show the direction of the flow with arrows in the chart. This will help make it clear which entity is the source and which is the destination of the flow.
4. Use the chart legend: A chart legend can be used to explain the symbols and colors used in the Sankey chart, which will help make it easier to understand.
5. Be mindful of the scale: Be mindful of the scale of the chart when creating a Sankey chart. It is important to use a scale that is appropriate for the data being visualized, as well as the chart size. This will ensure that the chart is easy to read and understand.

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.