Sankey charts are a type of chart that displays hierarchical relationships between a set of nodes and their corresponding flows or directions of movement. They are ideal for displaying complex patterns and relationships in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner. In this article, we will discuss how to create an eye-catching Sankey chart that delivers key information at a glance.
Step 1: Define Your Chart’s Purpose
The first step in creating a Sankey chart is to clearly define its purpose and the data that needs to be displayed. Before starting, ask yourself what kind of information you want to convey to your audience, and how you want them to interpret the results of your chart. This will help guide you in creating a chart that is focused and efficient.
Step 2: Collect Your Data
Collect the data that will be displayed in your Sankey chart. Make sure to organize and annotate your data in a way that will make it easy to read and understand. For the Sankey chart, you will typically need to input node names and flow data, which can come in any format, from simple text to complex JSON data.
Step 3: Draw Your Chart
Now that you have your data, it’s time to create your Sankey chart. You can use any type of software or tool to create your chart, as long as it displays hierarchical relationships between nodes and their corresponding flows. Some popular software options for designing Sankey charts include Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, Numbers, Google Sheets, and others.

Now that you have your chart, you can proceed to the most important step – selecting a good colour scheme and layout for your Sankey chart. Use colors to indicate different flow relationships, and use a layout that is easy to navigate. For example, you can use a nested structure to organize your nodes and flows, with the inner most node at the top and the outermost node at the bottom. This will create a clear hierarchy that is easy to follow.
Step 4: Add Text and Annotations
Finally, add text and annotations to your Sankey chart to make it more readable and informative. Text can be used to add context and clarify your data, while annotations and labels can be used to point out the key information and flows. You can also use color to highlight specific flows or points.
Overall, a visually appealing and informative Sankey chart can be a valuable tool for communicating complex information and relationships. By following these four steps, you can create an eye-catching Sankey chart that delivers key information at a glance.

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.