A Sankey chart helps you visualise flow and relationships between categories, with the width of the paths representing the volume moving from one node to another.
When to use a Sankey chart
Sankey charts are ideal for showing:
- Participant journeys through a program, from entry to outcomes
- Philanthropic or grant investments and how they translate into activities, outputs and longer-term outcomes
- System-level flows such as referrals, reach or resource distribution
- How datasets or initiatives align to frameworks, commitments or a Theory of Change
How to build a Sankey Chart
Step 1: Select the Chart Type
-
From the Explore Data tool, navigate to the Build Your Chart step.
-
Under the Type tab, select Sankey.
Step 2: Create Nodes
In a Sankey chart, a node represents a distinct category or stage in a flow.
Please note:
To keep the chart readable, labels longer than 20 characters will be truncated with "…".
Node names must be unique—you can’t add the same name twice.
- To add a node: Type the node name in the text box and click Add Node.
- To rename a node: Click the Edit icon below the node.
- To delete a node: Click the Delete icon. Note: This will also remove any links associated with that node.
Step 3: Create Links
A link represents the flow between two nodes—each link includes a source node, a target node, and a value that determines its width.
- To select source and target nodes: Choose them from the dropdown menus. The source and target nodes cannot be the same.
- To set the value: Click the value input to open the modal, then click on the value cell to select a value.
- To delete a link: Click the Delete icon next to the link.
Step 4: View you Sankey chart
On the Insight page, hover over a node label to see the full text if it’s truncated.
On the Suitcase page, hover over a node to view its details.
Tips for creating Sankey chart:
-
Make sure to adjust your table based on the Sankey chart you want to create. The table should include the values you'll use for the links.
-
Use calculations in the table to get the sum for each category—to use as link values.
-
For easier reference, open your Insight table view in a separate tab while building your chart.
When Not to Use a Sankey Chart
While Sankey charts are powerful, they’re not always the right choice. Avoid using a Sankey chart when:
-
You don’t have flow data — Sankey charts require a clear path from one category to another, with meaningful values attached. If you're just showing totals or comparisons, try a bar or column chart instead.
-
There are too many nodes or links — Overcrowded Sankeys can become visually overwhelming. If your data includes dozens of categories or complex loops, consider breaking it into smaller charts.
-
The order or direction of flow doesn’t matter — If your audience doesn’t need to see how things move or change, simpler chart types like pie, bar, or stacked column may be more effective.
-
You only have one step or layer — If you’re not showing movement through multiple stages (e.g. just source to outcome, with no intermediate steps), a stacked bar might communicate more clearly.