Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed trying to understand a complex data set? With statistics and complex equations, it can be difficult to communicate insights and conclusions effectively. But what if someone could paint the complexity with a simple yet elegant visualization? Introducing Sankey charts, a graphical technique that can help you communicate your data in a way that makes it accessible and easy to understand.
What is a Sankey chart?
A Sankey chart is an interactive and intuitive visualizing tool that lets you see the relationship between different elements in a data set. It is a type of network diagram, which can help you identify the flow of data and information between different elements, making the data more meaningful and easier to interpret.
How do Sankey charts work?
A Sankey chart typically consists of a grid with vertical and horizontal lines running through it. The main areas of the chart are the “nodes” (e.g. cities, countries, businesses, etc.) that contain the nodes connecting between each other through the flow of information. There are also lines that represent the flow of information between nodes, which can be adjusted to indicate the direction and strength of the flow.
Using Sankey charts in data visualization
Sankey charts can be a powerful tool in data visualization for a variety of reasons:
- They can help you visualize complex relationships between different elements.
- They can help you identify trends and patterns within a data set.
- They can help you highlight outliers and important data points.
Sankey charts can work well with statistics, such as revenue, expenditure, profit, or investment, and can be used to show how these elements flow within your data set.
Making Sankey charts: a guide
Creating a Sankey chart in Microsoft Excel
If you need to quickly visualize some data from Microsoft Excel, you can use the Sankey template that is built in. Simply enter your data into a table, and then click on the arrow next to the “Nodes” drop-down menu to select what the data is representing. Then, you can customize the color, location, and direction of the flow as you wish.
Making Sankey charts: free and open-source options
If you need to make Sankey charts for a larger project, you may need to use a paid or open-source solution. One popular option for creating Sankey charts is the “Colorbox” plugin for Google Sheets. This plugin allows you to create sophisticated Sankey charts, including custom color schemes, zooming in on particular nodes, and adding annotations.
Conclusion
Sankey charts can be a powerful tool for data visualization and communication. Whether you are working on a personal project or a larger business initiative, a well-crafted Sankey chart can help you make sense of your data and get your message across more clearly. So, give Sankey charts a try – you may be surprised at the insights you can uncover through the simple yet elegant medium of Sankey charts.
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.
