Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing complex data relationships, particularly in cases where there are multiple streams or transformations of the data. By illustrating the flow of data through various stages or processes, a Sankey chart can help to reveal insights and patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In this article, we will provide an ultimate guide to Sankey chart creation, including best practices for designing and interpreting these visualizations. We will also explore several real-world applications of Sankey charts in different industries.

What is a Sankey Chart?

A Sankey chart, also known as a flowchart or network diagram, is a type of diagram that illustrates the flow of data or material through a process or system. It is commonly used to represent a directed acyclic graph where nodes represent the process stages or steps, and directed edges represent the flow of data or material between the stages.

Sankey charts得名于英国数学家和统计学家威廉·桑key（William Sankey），他在20世纪初引入了这种图表来描述英国煤炭的运输路线，使得数据可视化变得直观易懂。

Sankey Chart Creation

There are many tools available for creating Sankey charts, including online platforms, spreadsheet software, and specialized data visualization tools. Some popular options include:

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a free spreadsheet software that includes a powerful charting tool that can be used to create Sankey charts. To create a Sankey chart in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

1. Enter your data into a spreadsheet.
2. Click on the “Insert” menu and select “Sankey chart”.
3. Customize the chart appearance by adjusting the colors, patterns, and fonts.
4. Click “Insert” and drag the chart to the desired location.

Tableau

Tableau is a data visualization and business intelligence software that offers a wide range of chart types, including Sankey charts. To create a Sankey chart in Tableau, follow these steps:

1. Create a series of columns based on the data you want to visualize.
2. Choose a Sankey chart type from the “Charts” menu.
3. Customize the chart by adjusting the colors, patterns, and fonts.
4. Preview and refine the chart until you are satisfied with the result.

PowerBI

PowerBI is a business analytics service that includes a wide range of visualization options, including Sankey charts. To create a Sankey chart in PowerBI, follow these steps:

1. Load your data into PowerBI.
2. Create a table or query based on the data you want to visualize.
3. Click on the “Visualizations” menu and select “Sankey chart”.
4. Customize the chart appearance by adjusting the colors, patterns, and fonts.
5. Preview and refine the chart until you are satisfied with the result.

Sankey Chart Best Practices

When creating a Sankey chart, there are several best practices to consider:

Use clear and consistent node labeling

The nodes in your Sankey chart represent the process stages or steps. Make sure to label each node clearly and consistently, so that it is easy to understand the flow of data or material through the process.

Customize the chart appearance

Sankey charts are highly customizable, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, patterns, and fonts to create a chart that best represents your data.

Consider adding visual cues

Visual cues can help to enhance the interpretability of your Sankey chart. For example, you can use arrows or symbols to represent the direction and magnitude of the flow of data or material, or you can use shading or patterns to highlight

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.