{"id":21631,"date":"2026-04-06T01:22:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T20:22:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/?p=21631"},"modified":"2026-04-06T21:45:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T16:45:26","slug":"how-to-make-a-sankey-diagram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/how-to-make-a-sankey-diagram","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a Sankey Diagram in Google Sheets?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"286\">The Sankey Diagram in Google Sheets is ideal for visualizing data that involves flows, such as energy usage, costs, or resource allocation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"522\">Flow data can be complex and bulky, and using the wrong chart may make it difficult to spot insights. A Google Sheets Sankey diagram simplifies this by providing a clear, easy-to-read visualization of how values move between categories or stages.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/how-to-make-a-sankey-diagram-in-google-sheets.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4345\" src=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/how-to-make-a-sankey-diagram-in-google-sheets.jpg\" alt=\"How to Create a Sankey Diagram in Google Sheets\" width=\"650\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"793\">While creating a Sankey chart manually in Google Sheets can be complicated, you don\u2019t need to abandon Sheets. By installing a simple add-on, you can generate a ready-made diagram instantly, saving time while keeping your workflow entirely within Google Sheets.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tb1\">What is a Sankey Diagram in Google Sheets?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"194\" data-end=\"356\"><strong>Definition: <\/strong>A Sankey diagram in Google Sheets is a visual tool used to illustrate the flow of resources, <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/energy-flow-diagram\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">energy flow<\/a>, or materials through a process. Originally developed by Matthew Sankey in the 1890s to show energy efficiency in steam engines, these diagrams highlight how quantities move between stages and where losses or bottlenecks occur.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"442\" data-end=\"649\">A Google Sheets Sankey diagram allows you to map complex flows in a clear, intuitive format, making it easier to analyze efficiency, track resource distribution, and identify key areas for improvement.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-make-a-sankey-diagram\">How to Make a Sankey Diagram in Google Sheets?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"278\" data-end=\"401\"><strong data-start=\"278\" data-end=\"308\">Step 1: Open Google Sheets<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"278\" data-end=\"401\">Launch Google Sheets and open the spreadsheet containing the data you want to visualize.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"403\" data-end=\"624\"><strong data-start=\"403\" data-end=\"444\">Step 2: Install an Add-On<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"403\" data-end=\"624\">Go to Extensions \u2192 Add-ons \u2192 Get add-ons. Search for a Sankey chart tool like <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ChartExpo<\/a> and install it. This add-on provides a ready-made chart without coding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"779\"><strong data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"653\">Step 3: Open the Add-On<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"779\">Once installed, open the add-on from Extensions \u2192 Add-ons. Select the Sankey chart in Google Sheets from the list of available charts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"960\"><strong data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"808\">Step 4: Input Your Data<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"960\">Highlight the data in your spreadsheet. Enter the numerical values (e.g., units sold, costs) as metrics and the categories or stages as dimensions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"962\" data-end=\"1090\"><strong data-start=\"962\" data-end=\"990\">Step 5: Create the Chart<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"962\" data-end=\"1090\">Click the Create Chart button. The Sankey diagram in Google Sheets will appear instantly based on your data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1258\"><strong data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1125\">Step 6: Customize the Diagram<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1258\">Adjust chart properties such as headers, legends, node colors, and labels to make the visualization clear and easy to interpret.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1260\" data-end=\"1397\"><strong data-start=\"1260\" data-end=\"1288\">Step 7: Export and Share<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1260\" data-end=\"1397\">Once the chart is ready, export it in your preferred format and share it with your team or stakeholders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6lgPifwkSLk?si=Gh5m29Kpk1hfbgY8\" width=\"650\" height=\"365\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tb2\">Top 3 Methods For Creating a Google Sheets Sankey Chart<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"223\" data-end=\"373\">Method 1: Use a Third-Party Add-On (Quickest)<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"223\" data-end=\"373\">The fastest way to generate a Sankey chart in Google Sheets is by installing an add-on.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"375\" data-end=\"387\"><strong data-start=\"375\" data-end=\"385\">Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"643\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1ri3shn\" data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"438\">Go to <strong data-start=\"397\" data-end=\"435\">Extensions \u2192 Add-ons \u2192 Get add-ons<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"np6hwh\" data-start=\"439\" data-end=\"502\">Search for \u201cSankey Chart in Google Sheets\u201d and install it.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"wff9c\" data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"553\">Open the add-on from the <strong data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"545\">Extensions<\/strong> menu.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"idavuc\" data-start=\"554\" data-end=\"611\">Enter your data, then select dimensions and metrics.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1t9vtro\" data-start=\"612\" data-end=\"643\">Click to create the chart.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 data-start=\"731\" data-end=\"818\">Method 2: Use Google Apps Script<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"731\" data-end=\"818\">Best suited for users comfortable with coding.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"820\" data-end=\"832\"><strong data-start=\"820\" data-end=\"830\">Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"833\" data-end=\"1108\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1wwnw91\" data-start=\"833\" data-end=\"872\">Open <strong data-start=\"841\" data-end=\"869\">Extensions \u2192 Apps Script<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1cwozon\" data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"927\">Paste a pre-written Sankey script into <em>code.gs<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"gkpyy5\" data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"976\">Create <em>index.html<\/em> and add the chart code.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"2lghir\" data-start=\"977\" data-end=\"1053\">Link your Google Sheet ID, save, run the script, and allow permissions.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"18v3dl6\" data-start=\"1054\" data-end=\"1108\">Your chart will generate within the linked sheet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 data-start=\"1110\" data-end=\"1222\">Method 3: Use an External Tool<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1110\" data-end=\"1222\">This method is ideal if you prefer building charts outside Google Sheets.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1224\" data-end=\"1236\"><strong data-start=\"1224\" data-end=\"1234\">Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1428\">\n<li data-section-id=\"13cdjo3\" data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1276\">Copy your data from Google Sheets.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1lxmib5\" data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1320\">Paste it into an online charting tool.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1yql8jj\" data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1356\">Customize the chart as needed.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"j7pyk9\" data-start=\"1357\" data-end=\"1428\">Export the chart and embed it back into Google Sheets if required.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"tb3\">Benefits of Sankey Chart in Google Spreadsheets<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"418\">1. Visualizes Complex Flows Clearly<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"418\">It makes understanding the movement of resources, funds, or energy across different stages simple. Large or complex datasets that are hard to interpret in tables become immediately clear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"420\" data-end=\"622\">2. Highlights Key Contributors<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"420\" data-end=\"622\">The width of each link and node represents the magnitude of a value, allowing you to quickly spot the most significant inputs, outputs, or changes in your process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"828\">3. Supports Data-Driven Decision Making<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"828\">By showing how metrics flow through a system, it provides actionable insights for improving efficiency, reducing waste, or reallocating budgets effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"1047\">4. Offers a Bird\u2019s-Eye View<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"1047\">This visualization gives a high-level overview of processes, costs, or workflows, making it easy to identify trends, bottlenecks, or inefficiencies without digging through raw data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1049\" data-end=\"1236\">5. Versatile Across Industries<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1049\" data-end=\"1236\">It can be applied in areas like <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/supply-chain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">supply chain<\/a> management, marketing analytics, <a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/analyzing-cash-flow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cash flow analysis<\/a>, energy tracking, or visualizing customer journeys.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Best Practices for Creating a Sankey Chart in Google Sheets<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"428\">1. Use Clean and Structured Data<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"428\">Ensure your data is well-organized with clear source, target, and value columns. This makes it easier for the chart to map flows accurately and avoids errors or confusing visuals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"430\" data-end=\"652\">2. Keep the Flow Focused<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"430\" data-end=\"652\">Avoid clutter by including only key nodes and links. Too many connections can make the chart overwhelming and difficult to interpret. Highlight the flows that matter most for your analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"869\">3. Apply Meaningful Labels and Colors<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"869\">Label each node and link clearly, and use contrasting colors to differentiate flows. This improves readability and ensures your audience can easily understand the chart.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"871\" data-end=\"1100\">4. Start with Smaller Segments<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"871\" data-end=\"1100\">If your dataset is large, create the chart with smaller sections first. Once validated, combine sections to show the full flow. This prevents performance issues and makes adjustments easier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1353\">5. Review and Validate Your Insights<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1353\">Always double-check the chart against your raw data to ensure accuracy. A Sankey diagram in Google Sheets is most effective when it clearly highlights patterns, inefficiencies, or key flows without misrepresenting the data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>Does Google Sheets have a Sankey Diagram?<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"0 0 []\">Google Sheets Sankey charts are not available by default.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re not advising you to do away with Google Sheets in favor of other expensive tools.<\/p>\n<p>This is because there&#8217;s an add-on you can easily install in Google Sheets to access insightful, ready-made, and easy-to-customize charts.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-teams=\"true\">Can you make a Sankey diagram in Google Sheets?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Follow the steps below to create a Sankey Diagram in Google Sheets.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Open your Google Sheets.<\/li>\n<li>Open the worksheet and click\u00a0the\u00a0Extensions\u00a0menu button.<\/li>\n<li>Once the\u00a0Charts, Graphs, &amp; Visualizations by the ChartExpo tool drop-down menu shows, click the\u00a0Open\u00a0button.<\/li>\n<li>Click the\u00a0Add New Chart button to\u00a0access the inventory of charts and graphs available.<\/li>\n<li>Once the add-on\u00a0is loaded, you will see a list of charts in Google Sheets. Look for \u201cSankey Chart Google Sheets\u201d.<\/li>\n<li>Highlight your data and select the\u00a0Metric\u00a0option.\u00a0Fill in the numerical numbers (e.g., Units Sold).<\/li>\n<li>Select the\u00a0Dimensions\u00a0button and fill in the dimensional data (e.g., Store, Category, Items,\u00a0and\u00a0Brand).<\/li>\n<li>Complete the simple task by clicking the\u00a0Create Chart\u00a0button.<\/li>\n<li>Check out the final Sankey Chart in Google Sheets.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 id=\"wrap-up\">Wrap Up<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"166\" data-end=\"423\">A Sankey diagram in Google Sheets offers far more clarity than traditional charts like pie charts when analyzing flow-based data. It\u2019s especially effective for visualizing complex and bulky data, such as energy usage, cost distribution, or resource flows.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"425\" data-end=\"609\">Without the right visualization, this type of data can quickly become overwhelming. A Sankey chart in Google Sheets simplifies interpretation, highlighting key connections and patterns at a glance.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"862\">Using a ready-made solution for Google Sheets can save significant time while producing a chart that\u2019s easy to read and understand. Its intuitive design makes it simple to spot trends, inefficiencies, and insights that might otherwise remain hidden.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><p>Learn how to create a Sankey diagram in Google Sheets to visualize flows such as customer journeys, energy transfers, and cash movements for deeper insights and analysis.<\/p>\n&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/how-to-make-a-sankey-diagram\"><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29208,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[743],"tags":[1038,1029],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\r\n<title>How to Create a Sankey Diagram in Google Sheets? - % ChartExpo<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to make a Sankey Diagram in Google Sheets to visualize customer journey, energy, and cash flow in Google Sheets for data analysis.\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/chartexpo.com\/blog\/how-to-make-a-sankey-diagram\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"How to Create a Sankey Diagram in Google Sheets? 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