The Sankey chart is a graphical representation of data, showing the flow of information or resources from one point to another. Created by the German mathematician August Ferdinand Möbius in 1885, this chart has been used in various fields, from sciences and engineering to economics and social sciences.
So what makes a Sankey chart so impressive and easy to use? The beauty of the Sankey chart lies in its simplicity, where by its design is intuitive and easy to read, but also complex enough to offer valuable insights.
Sankey charts can be created using various software and tools, but in this article, we will focus on how to create a Sankey chart using Microsoft Excel. Excel is one of the most widely used spreadsheet software, making it a great tool to create Sankey charts for its user-friendly interface and powerful data analysis capabilities.
Step 1: Gather Your Data
Before you begin creating a Sankey chart, you’ll need to gather the data that you want to visualize. This data should be organized and structured in a way that makes it easy to visualize using the Sankey chart. For example, you could gather data on the flow of traffic from different areas such as streets to highways to highways to interstate highways, and so on.
Step 2: Import Your Data into Excel
You can import the data into Excel using the Insert tab on the ribbon. Once you have imported the data, you can select the data type, ensure that it is organized in a way that makes it easy to create a Sankey chart, and then drag and drop the data into a new chart or worksheet.
Step 3: Design the Chart Layout
Once you have gathered your data and imported it into Excel, you can start designing your Sankey chart. The first step is to decide on the layout of the chart. For example, you could have different colors for the different types of flows, or different shapes for each type of flow. You can also choose to show the total flows for each section or combine them into a single flow.
Step 4: Customize the Chart
After designing the layout of the chart, you can now add any necessary customization. This includes adding titles and labels, changing the colors and fonts, and making the chart interactive. For example, you could allow the user to click and drag the edges of the map to see the flow of information or resources.
Step 5: Add the Text Elements
To add text to the chart, you can use various formatting options such as bold, italic, underlining, and hover effects. This will help you to communicate the information that you are visualizing and make the chart more impactful.
Step 6: Create a Table of Contents
You can easily create a table of contents in Excel by using the menu bar at the top of the ribbon. To do this, select the cell where you want to add the table of contents and then use the Tab button to create a new table with headers for each section of your chart.
Step 7: Save and Share Your Chart
After you have created your Sankey chart, you should save it and share it with your audience. You can export your chart as an image or a PDF file, or you can share it online using tools such as Google Docs or Dropbox.
In conclusion, the Sankey chart is an essential tool for any user who wants to visualize complex data. With such a simple and powerful tool, the Sankey chart can be used in a wide range of contexts, from the sciences and engineering to business, economics, and social sciences. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create stunning Sankey charts that transform your data visualization and help you communicate complex information in a clear and compelling way.

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.