Unlocking Connections: A Visual Guide to Sankey Charts for Business Analysts

Sankey charts are a visual representation of data flow, often used in business analysis to visualize relationships between different components or sources and destinations. Whether you’re a business analyst or a consultant, a basic knowledge of Sankey charts can be essential for effective communication and decision-making.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of creating a simple Sankey chart and introduce you to three main components of a Sankey chart: sources, destinations, and flows.
A simple Sankey chart can consist of just a few key elements:

  • The Sankey line: this is the main line that represents the flow of information or data, and is usually drawn as a line. The line is often drawn in a straight line, or in a sloping line, depending on the shape of the information being represented.
  • The labels: these are the labels on the source and destination nodes, which identify the data being passed through the flow. Often the labels are used to identify the origin and destination of the data, and can be drawn as arrows or other graphical elements.
  • The nodes: these are the nodes that make up the Sankey chart, and represent the different sources, destinations, and information flows. These nodes can be drawn as circles, and can have a variety of different elements, such as text or symbols, to identify them.

Getting started with writing a Sankey chart can be easy, but it’s important to note that there are some key things to keep in mind:

  • It’s important to plan your data flow carefully before starting to create a Sankey chart. Make sure you understand the relationships between the different components, and any data that needs to be included in the chart.
  • Pay attention to the scale and clarity of your Sankey chart. A clear and well-analyzed Sankey chart will allow for better communication and understanding of the data it represents.
  • Make sure you format your Sankey chart in a way that makes it easy to understand. If you have a lot of information or data to include, use clear and descriptive labels, and keep your lines and nodes organized.

By following these tips, you can create a simple but effective Sankey chart that will help you communicate data flow and relationships between different components. A Sankey chart can be a useful tool for business analysts, but be sure to use it with care and pay attention to the data you’re trying to visualize. With practice, you’ll be able to create complex and sophisticated Sankey charts that truly unlock the potential of data visualization.

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.

SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.
SankeyMaster - Unleash the Power of Sankey Diagrams on iOS and macOS.
SankeyMaster is your essential tool for crafting sophisticated Sankey diagrams on both iOS and macOS. Effortlessly input data and create intricate Sankey diagrams that unveil complex data relationships with precision.