What type of data works best in a Sankey diagram?

Sankey diagrams are ideal for flow data — anything that moves from one state to another. Classic examples include energy flows (sources to consumption), budget allocation (revenue to expenditure), user journeys (entry to exit pages), supply chains (raw materials to products), and population migration (origin to destination). The data needs source nodes, target nodes, and flow values.

How many nodes can a Sankey diagram handle?

A well-designed Sankey diagram typically works best with 5-15 nodes per column and 2-4 columns. More than that and the flows become too tangled to follow. For complex systems, consider grouping small nodes into an "Other" category or using interactive filtering. Very large Sankey diagrams need interactivity (hover to highlight paths) to remain usable.

How is a Sankey diagram different from a flow chart?

A flow chart shows the logical sequence of steps or decisions in a process — the connections are qualitative. A Sankey diagram shows quantitative flows — the width of each connection represents a measured value. A flow chart tells you what happens; a Sankey diagram tells you how much flows through each path. They answer fundamentally different questions about a system.

What is a sankey diagram?

A Sankey diagram is a flow visualization where the width of each arrow or band is proportional to the quantity of flow it represents. Named after Captain Matthew Sankey, who used this diagram type in 1898 to show energy efficiency in a steam engine, Sankey diagrams excel at showing how quantities flow from one set of values to another through intermediate stages. The key principle is conservation — the total width of flows into any node equals the total width of flows out. This makes them ideal for depicting resource transfers, energy conversions, material flows, budget allocations, and process migrations. The proportional width encoding makes it instantly obvious which flows dominate and which are minor, while the branching and merging paths show how quantities split and recombine through the system.

Why use a sankey diagram?

Sankey diagrams are powerful for understanding complex flow systems. Energy analysts use them to show how primary energy sources transform through generation, transmission, and consumption — revealing where losses occur. Website analysts track user journeys from landing page through navigation paths to conversion or exit. Supply chain managers visualize material flows from suppliers through manufacturing to distribution. Budget analysts show how revenue is allocated across departments and programs. Migration researchers depict population movements between regions. Sankey diagrams answer questions that other charts struggle with: "Where does it all go?" and "Where does it come from?" They make invisible flows visible.

What are best practices for creating a sankey diagram?

Expert tips for creating effective sankey diagrams: Ensure the total flow in equals the total flow out at every node (conservation principle). Use color to trace flows from their source through the entire diagram. Limit to 3-4 stages (columns) for readability — very deep Sankey diagrams become tangled. Following these guidelines will help your chart communicate data clearly and professionally.

Is this sankey diagram maker free?

Yes! Our sankey diagram maker is completely free to use. Create unlimited sankey diagrams, customize them however you like, and export them without any cost or watermarks.

Can I use this sankey diagram for commercial purposes?

Absolutely. Sankey Diagrams created with MakeMyGraph are yours to use however you want, including for commercial projects, publications, client work, and marketing materials. No attribution required.

Can I edit my sankey diagram after creating it?

Yes! You can modify your data, colors, labels, and styling at any time before exporting. Your work is saved in your browser, so you can come back and make changes as needed.

Can I customize the sankey diagram with my own brand colors?

Definitely. You have full control over colors, fonts, and styling. Match your brand identity perfectly or choose from our preset color palettes for a polished look.

Do I need to download any software?

No downloads needed. Our sankey diagram maker runs entirely in your browser. Just visit the page and start creating immediately. No installation, no account required.

What formats can I export my sankey diagram in?

You can export your chart as PNG (great for presentations), SVG (perfect for web and scalable graphics), or PDF (ideal for printing and documents).

Is there a watermark on the exported chart?

No watermarks at all. Every chart you create is completely clean and professional, ready to use anywhere without any MakeMyGraph branding unless you want to add it.

Free Sankey Diagram Maker

Need a Sankey diagram? Use our free Sankey chart maker to visualize flows, energy transfers, and proportional relationships. Perfect for budget flows, process analysis, and resource allocation.

Flow visualization

Proportional widths

Multi-stage display

Resource flow tracking

Energy transfer display

Professional export

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Budget Flow

Guide

How to Make a Sankey Diagram

With our sankey diagram maker, create any chart as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Define sources

List the starting points of your flows.

Add destinations

Define where each flow goes and its magnitude.

Export diagram

Download your Sankey visualization.

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Key Elements of a Sankey Diagram

Nodes — stages or categories where flows converge and diverge

Links — flowing bands connecting nodes, with width proportional to quantity

Flow direction — typically left to right, showing progression through stages

Color — differentiates flows by source, category, or type

Width — the core visual encoding, proportional to flow volume

Labels — node names and flow values for precise reading

When to Use a Sankey Diagram

Budget flow visualization

Energy transfer analysis

Process flow mapping

Resource allocation display

Sankey Diagram FAQ

Common questions about creating sankey diagrams with MakeMyGraph

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