How to Make a Sankey Diagram in Excel
Making a Sankey diagram in Excel might sound tricky, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. You’ll need to organize your data, use a combination of Excel tools, and maybe get some help from add-ins. Let’s break it down step by step so you can visualize those flows like a pro.
How to Make a Sankey Diagram in Excel
In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to create a Sankey diagram in Excel. Sankey diagrams are great for showing the flow of resources, energy, or costs. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a clear, visual representation of your data in no time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Data
First things first, gather and organize your data in a way that shows the flow from one point to another.
You’ll want to have your sources and destinations clearly defined, along with the values that represent the flow between them. It might help to use a table format in Excel where you list out each source, destination, and corresponding value.
Step 2: Download and Install an Excel Add-In
Next, download an Excel add-in that supports Sankey diagrams, like Power-user or SankeyDiagramGenerator.
There aren’t built-in features for Sankey diagrams in Excel, so an add-in is essential. You can find reliable add-ins online, install them in Excel, and make sure they are activated under the Add-Ins section of Excel.
Step 3: Insert the Sankey Diagram
Now, use the add-in to insert a new Sankey diagram into your worksheet.
This usually involves selecting the add-in from the toolbar, choosing Sankey diagram from the options, and clicking insert. The add-in will guide you through picking your data range and customizing the diagram.
Step 4: Customize Your Diagram
After inserting, adjust the appearance of your Sankey diagram to match your preferences.
You can change colors, labels, and the width of your flows. Customizing it makes the diagram easier to read and more visually appealing.
Step 5: Finalize and Save
Once you’re happy with how it looks, finalize your diagram and save your work.
Make sure all the data is accurately represented and that the diagram is clear. Save your Excel file so you can come back to it or make adjustments later.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a Sankey diagram that visually represents the flow of your data, helping you and others understand complex relationships and processes more easily.
Tips for Making a Sankey Diagram in Excel
- Organize Data Clearly: Make sure your source and destination data are easy to interpret.
- Use Reliable Add-Ins: Choose add-ins that are well-reviewed and commonly used.
- Customize for Clarity: Adjust colors and labels to make your diagram as clear as possible.
- Check Your Work: Double-check that all flows are accurately represented.
- Save Regularly: Save your progress as you go to prevent data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sankey diagram used for?
Sankey diagrams are used to visualize the flow of resources, energy, or costs between different points. They help show where things are coming from and going to.
Do I need special software to make a Sankey diagram in Excel?
Yes, you’ll need an add-in because Excel doesn’t have native support for Sankey diagrams.
Can I update my Sankey diagram if my data changes?
Absolutely, you can update the data in your Excel sheet and refresh the diagram using the add-in.
Are there free add-ins available for Sankey diagrams?
Yes, some free add-ins are available, but they might have limited features compared to paid versions.
How long does it take to create a Sankey diagram?
It depends on your familiarity with Excel and the complexity of your data, but it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
Summary
- Prepare Your Data.
- Download and Install an Excel Add-In.
- Insert the Sankey Diagram.
- Customize Your Diagram.
- Finalize and Save.
Conclusion
There you have it! Making a Sankey diagram in Excel is a great way to visually represent data flows. With the right data preparation and a handy add-in, you’ll be able to create clear and informative diagrams that can be used in reports, presentations, or just for data analysis. Remember to organize your data clearly, use a reliable add-in, and customize your diagram for maximum clarity. If you follow these steps and tips, you’ll be a Sankey diagram pro in no time. Happy charting!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.