Sankey charts are an advanced chart type that can be used to represent the flow of items or resources between different players or entities. They are particularly useful in applications where tracking and visualizing complex supply chain systems, financial transactions, or data processing pipelines is necessary.

If you’re looking to create stunning Sankey charts, this ultimate guide is for you. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create beautiful and informative Sankey charts using various software tools.

Table of Contents

1. What is a Sankey Chart?
2. Advantages of Using a Sankey Chart
3. Importance of Data Quality in Sankey Chart Creation
4. Tips for Creating Stunning Sankey Charts
5. Popular Tools for Creating Sankey Charts
6. Best Practices for Sankey Chart Design
   a. Choosing the Right Data Source
   b. Designing a Clear Title Block
   c. Setting Visualization Options
7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

8. Conclusion

9. What is a Sankey Chart?

Sankey charts are a type of flowchart that are named after the Sankey Company, which created the first software tool for creating them. They are used to represent the flow of items or resources between different players or entities. Unlike traditional flowcharts, Sankey charts use arrows that connect data points, rather than branches and arrows that connect processes.

Sankey charts are particularly useful in applications where tracking and visualizing complex supply chain systems, financial transactions, or data processing pipelines is necessary. They can also be used to represent the flow of data or information within a system.

2. Advantages of Using a Sankey Chart

There are several advantages to using a Sankey chart over other types of charts:

a. Visual Representation: Sankey charts provide a clear and intuitive visual representation of the flow of items or resources.
b. Complexity: Sankey charts are well-suited to representing complex supply chain systems, financial transactions, or data processing pipelines.
c. Data Analysis: Sankey charts can be used to identify trends, patterns, and bottlenecks in a supply chain or data processing pipeline.
d. Collaboration: Sankey charts can be easily shared and collaborate on, making it easy to communicate complex concepts to team members.
3. Importance of Data Quality in Sankey Chart Creation

Data quality is essential when creating Sankey charts. Your data should be accurate, complete, and relevant to the chart you are creating. Poorly quality data can lead to misleading or incorrect visualizations.

Also, make sure to validate your data by checking for consistency and anomalies before creating your Sankey chart. This will help ensure that your chart accurately represents the flow of items or resources between different players or entities.

4. Tips for Creating Stunning Sankey Charts

Here are some tips for creating stunning Sankey charts:

a. Choose a Data Visualization Tool: There are several software tools available for creating Sankey charts. Some popular options include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau, Power BI, and Visio. Choose a tool that is easy to use, has the necessary tools and features, and can handle your data.
b. Customize the Chart Layout: Customize the layout of your Sankey chart to fit your specific data requirements. Adjust the size of the chart, set the orientation, and choose the layout options that best represent your data.
c. Use Standard Sankey Chart Symbols: Use standard Sankey chart symbols to ensure that your chart is easily understood by others. These symbols include input, output, and transfer points, flowarrows, and links.
d. Add Labeling and Titles: Add labeling and titles to your Sankey chart to enhance its clarity and understanding. Include a title block that summarizes the chart’s purpose, as well as axis labels and

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.