How to Use Sankey Charts to Visualize Data Flow and Transformation

A Sankey chart, also known as a Sankey diagram or Sankey flowchart, is a type of flowchart used to visualize data flow and transformation. It was first introduced by Charles Sankey in the late 19th century and has since become a popular tool for data analysis and visualization.

One of the key features of Sankey charts is that they allow you to easily see the flow of data between different nodes, or categories, in a graph. This makes them particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks, areas of concentration, or other trends in the data.

To create a Sankey chart, you can use a variety of software tools, including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or draw.io. These tools typically offer templates specifically designed for Sankey chart creation, which make it easy to get started.

To begin creating your Sankey chart, you will need to define the categories or nodes that you want to include in the chart. These might be categories such as time periods, departments, or product lines. Once you have defined these nodes, you can then add the data flow between them, using arrows to connect the nodes and arrowheads to represent the direction of the flow.

One of the key advantages of Sankey charts is their ability to handle large and complex datasets. This is because Sankey charts use a set of mathematical formulas to automatically calculate the flow between the nodes, rather than requiring you to manually calculate these values. This makes it easy to create Sankey charts for large datasets, and to compare different scenarios or “what-if” analyses.

Another benefit of Sankey charts is their ability to easily show trends and patterns in the data. For example, you might use a Sankey chart to show the flow of data between different departments, and use color or other visual cues to highlight areas where there is a particularly high volume of data flow. This can help you to identify areas where resources or attention might be concentrated.

In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing data flow and transformation. With their ability to handle large and complex datasets, and to easily show trends and patterns in the data, Sankey charts can be a useful tool in a wide range of fields, including process analysis, supply chain management, and financial analysis. By using a Sankey chart, you can gain greater insights into your data and make more informed decisions based on this information.

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.