Create Interactive Sankey Diagrams In Excel With 5 Easy Steps

Sankey diagrams are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials, energy, or costs through a system. They are widely used in various fields such as engineering, economics, and sustainability to help analyze and optimize complex systems. In this article, we will explore how to create interactive Sankey diagrams in Excel with just 5 easy steps.

Sankey diagrams are a type of flow-based visualization that uses arrows to show the magnitude of flow between nodes. They are particularly useful for identifying key areas of inefficiency or waste in a system, and for exploring the relationships between different components. However, creating Sankey diagrams can be a challenging task, especially when working with large datasets or complex systems.

Fortunately, Excel provides a range of tools and techniques that make it easy to create interactive Sankey diagrams. With a few simple steps, you can create a professional-looking Sankey diagram that helps you to analyze and communicate complex data insights.

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Before you can create a Sankey diagram in Excel, you need to prepare your data. This involves organizing your data into a table or matrix that shows the flow of materials, energy, or costs between different nodes or components.

A typical Sankey diagram dataset might include the following columns:

• Node 1: The source node or component
• Node 2: The destination node or component
• Flow: The magnitude of flow between Node 1 and Node 2

You can use a simple table or matrix to organize your data, or you can use a more complex data structure such as a pivot table or a database.

Data Preparation Tips

• Make sure your data is clean and consistent
• Use a standardized format for your node names and flow values
• Consider using a data validation technique such as data normalization or data aggregation to simplify your data

Step 2: Choose a Sankey Diagram Tool

Excel provides a range of tools and techniques for creating Sankey diagrams, including built-in chart types and add-ins. One popular tool for creating Sankey diagrams in Excel is the Sankey Diagram add-in from Office.com.

This add-in provides a range of features and functionalities that make it easy to create professional-looking Sankey diagrams, including:

• Automatic layout and sizing
• Customizable node and arrow styles
• Interactive drill-down and filtering capabilities

You can download the Sankey Diagram add-in from the Office.com website and install it on your computer.

Step 3: Create Your Sankey Diagram

Once you have prepared your data and chosen a Sankey diagram tool, you can create your Sankey diagram. This involves selecting the data range that you want to use for your diagram and configuring the layout and appearance of your diagram.

The Sankey Diagram add-in provides a range of options and settings that you can use to customize your diagram, including:

• Node size and color
• Arrow style and color
• Layout and sizing options

You can experiment with different settings and options to find the one that works best for your data and your needs.

Sankey Diagram Tips

• Use a clear and consistent color scheme to make your diagram easy to read
• Experiment with different layout options to find the one that works best for your data
• Consider using interactive drill-down and filtering capabilities to make your diagram more engaging and interactive

Step 4: Add Interactivity to Your Diagram

One of the key benefits of creating a Sankey diagram in Excel is the ability to add interactivity to your diagram. This can include features such as:

• Drill-down capabilities that allow users to explore different levels of detail
• Filtering capabilities that allow users to select specific nodes or components
• Animation and transition effects that make your diagram more engaging and interactive

The Sankey Diagram add-in provides a range of options and settings that you can use to add interactivity to your diagram, including:

• Drill-down buttons and menus
• Filtering dropdowns and menus
• Animation and transition effects

You can experiment with different options and settings to find the one that works best for your data and your needs.

Step 5: Share Your Diagram

Once you have created your Sankey diagram, you can share it with others using a range of tools and techniques. This can include:

• Exporting your diagram as an image or PDF file
• Sharing your diagram via email or social media
• Embedding your diagram in a website or blog

The Sankey Diagram add-in provides a range of options and settings that you can use to share your diagram, including:

• Export options for images and PDF files
• Sharing options for email and social media
• Embedding options for websites and blogs

You can experiment with different options and settings to find the one that works best for your needs.

Sharing Tips

• Use a clear and consistent file format to make your diagram easy to share
• Consider using a cloud-based storage service to share your diagram with others
• Experiment with different sharing options to find the one that works best for your needs

Gallery of Sankey Diagrams

Sankey Diagram Image Gallery

By following these 5 easy steps, you can create interactive Sankey diagrams in Excel that help you to analyze and communicate complex data insights. Whether you are working in engineering, economics, or sustainability, Sankey diagrams are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials, energy, or costs through a system. With the Sankey Diagram add-in and a few simple steps, you can create professional-looking Sankey diagrams that help you to identify key areas of inefficiency or waste and explore the relationships between different components.