7 Ways To Create Sankey Diagram In Excel

The Sankey diagram, a powerful visualization tool, has been a favorite among data analysts and scientists for decades. This flow-based visualization technique, invented by Irish engineer Matthew Henry Phineas Riall Sankey in the late 19th century, is an excellent way to represent the magnitude of flow between nodes in a process. However, its adoption has been limited due to the lack of easy-to-use tools for creating them, especially in Excel.

Fortunately, with the advancements in data visualization tools and techniques, creating a Sankey diagram in Excel has become more accessible than ever. In this article, we will explore seven ways to create a Sankey diagram in Excel, from the simplest to the most advanced methods.

Understanding Sankey Diagrams

Before we dive into the methods, let's quickly understand what Sankey diagrams represent. A Sankey diagram is a flow-based visualization that uses arrows to show the magnitude of flow between nodes in a process. The width of the arrow is proportional to the quantity of flow, making it an excellent tool for identifying inefficiencies and optimizing processes.

Method 1: Using Excel's Built-in Tools

One of the simplest ways to create a Sankey diagram in Excel is by using the built-in tools. You can use the "SmartArt" feature to create a basic Sankey diagram.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select the data range that you want to visualize.
2. Go to the "Insert" tab and click on "SmartArt."
3. Choose the "Hierarchy" category and select the "Organization Chart" template.
4. Customize the chart by adding nodes and arrows.
5. Use the "Format" tab to adjust the appearance of the chart.

Method 2: Using Add-ins and Plug-ins

Another way to create a Sankey diagram in Excel is by using add-ins and plug-ins. There are several third-party tools available that can help you create advanced Sankey diagrams.

Some Popular Add-ins and Plug-ins:

1. Power BI: A business analytics service by Microsoft that provides a range of data visualization tools, including Sankey diagrams.
2. Tableau: A data visualization tool that offers a range of chart types, including Sankey diagrams.
3. SankeyMATIC: A free online tool that allows you to create Sankey diagrams from Excel data.

Method 3: Using VBA Macros

If you're comfortable with coding, you can create a Sankey diagram in Excel using VBA macros. This method requires some programming knowledge, but it offers a high degree of customization.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing "Alt + F11" or by navigating to Developer > Visual Basic.
2. Create a new module by clicking "Insert" > "Module."
3. Write the VBA code to create the Sankey diagram.
4. Use the " Shapes" object to add nodes and arrows to the chart.

Method 4: Using Online Tools

There are several online tools available that allow you to create Sankey diagrams from Excel data. Some popular tools include:

Some Popular Online Tools:

1. Sankey Builder: A free online tool that allows you to create Sankey diagrams from Excel data.
2. Sankey Diagram Generator: A free online tool that generates Sankey diagrams from Excel data.
3. Flowmap.blue: A free online tool that allows you to create flow maps and Sankey diagrams.

Method 5: Using R and ggplot2

If you're familiar with R and ggplot2, you can create a Sankey diagram using these tools. This method requires some programming knowledge, but it offers a high degree of customization.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Install the "ggplot2" package by running the command "install.packages("ggplot2")".
2. Load the "ggplot2" package by running the command "library(ggplot2)".
3. Use the " geom_sankey" function to create the Sankey diagram.

Method 6: Using Python and Matplotlib

If you're familiar with Python and Matplotlib, you can create a Sankey diagram using these tools. This method requires some programming knowledge, but it offers a high degree of customization.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Install the "Matplotlib" package by running the command "pip install matplotlib".
2. Import the "Matplotlib" package by running the command "import matplotlib.pyplot as plt".
3. Use the "sankey" function to create the Sankey diagram.

Method 7: Using Excel Templates

Finally, you can create a Sankey diagram in Excel using pre-designed templates. There are several websites that offer free and paid Sankey diagram templates for Excel.

Some Popular Template Websites:

1. Vertex42: A website that offers a range of free Excel templates, including Sankey diagrams.
2. ExcelTemplates.net: A website that offers a range of free and paid Excel templates, including Sankey diagrams.
3. Template.net: A website that offers a range of free and paid Excel templates, including Sankey diagrams.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide on how to create a Sankey diagram in Excel. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, there's a method that suits your needs. From using built-in tools to advanced programming, we've covered it all.

So, which method will you choose? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

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