AI-Powered Flow Generation
Describe your data in plain language and the AI builds a fully labeled Sankey diagram for you. No manual node wiring required.
Chart & Visualization Tools
Sankey Diagrams Without Excel
Tired of hunting for Excel plugins to make a Sankey diagram? MakeCharts generates publication-ready Sankey charts instantly. Just describe your flow data and let AI do the rest.
Features
Everything Excel Sankey Diagrams Lack
A purpose-built Sankey maker that just works — no plugins, no formulas, no frustration.
Visual Node & Link Editor
Add, rename, reorder, and color nodes through a clean UI. Adjust flow values with instant live preview.
Proportional Flow Widths
Link widths automatically scale to represent flow magnitude — the core strength of any Sankey diagram.
Gradient or Node Color Schemes
Switch between node-matched colors and smooth gradient flows to highlight different aspects of your data.
Customizable Labels & Values
Toggle node labels, show or hide flow values, and adjust font sizes to keep your diagram readable at any scale.
Export-Ready Quality
Download as PNG or SVG for pixel-perfect output in any presentation, report, or website — no blurry screenshots.
Data input
Add Your Flow Data Your Way
Type It In
Define nodes and link values directly in the editor — no spreadsheet needed.
Paste from Excel
Copy your source-target-value table from Excel and paste it straight into MakeCharts.
Describe with AI
Tell the AI your flow in plain language and get a complete Sankey diagram instantly.
Upload a File (Pro)
Import CSV or Excel files directly to map flows at scale without manual entry.
Share
Share Your Sankey Anywhere
Download as PNG or SVG
Export crisp, high-resolution images ready for slides, reports, or social media.
Share via Link
Get a shareable URL so teammates can view your Sankey diagram instantly.
Embed on Your Site
Paste a one-line embed code to display your live Sankey diagram on any webpage.
Copy for Presentations
Drop your exported diagram into PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Notion in one click.
About MakeCharts Sankey Tool
MakeCharts is a free online chart maker built for speed and clarity. The Sankey diagram tool was designed for anyone who has struggled with Excel add-ins or custom scripts to visualize flows. You get a real, purpose-built Sankey editor — with AI — in your browser right now.
<2 minTime to First Sankey
10k+Charts Created
12+Languages Supported
50+Chart Styles Available
0Excel Add-ins Required
Workflow
How to Make a Sankey Diagram
Define Your Nodes
Add the categories in your flow — sources, processes, and outputs. Give each a name and an optional color.
Set Your Flow Links
Connect nodes with directional links and assign a value to each. Link width scales automatically to reflect magnitude.
Customize & Export
Adjust colors, labels, spacing, and transparency. Then download your Sankey as PNG or SVG or share it with a link.
Use cases
Who Uses Sankey Diagrams?
Budget and P&L Flow Analysis
Show how revenue flows through cost categories to profit. Sankey diagrams make financial storytelling instantly intuitive for executives and stakeholders.
Energy Flow and Efficiency Tracking
Map energy inputs, conversion losses, and useful outputs to identify inefficiencies. A classic use case for Sankey diagrams in engineering and ESG reporting.
User Journey and Conversion Funnels
Visualize how visitors move through a website or funnel — from first touch to conversion or drop-off — to find where you are losing people.
Material and Resource Flow Mapping
Trace how raw materials or resources move through production stages to finished goods. Ideal for waste analysis and process optimization.
Templates
Start with professionally designed templates
Carbon Circular Flow Sankey: See Where Carbon Goessankey
Visualize your carbon circular flow instantly. Spot emissions, recycling, and sequestration hotspots to improve ESG reporting and cut footprint fast.
Sankey Diagram Template - Map Flows ClearlysankeyStart with a blank Sankey template to map energy, budget, or process flows. Customize nodes, links, and colors instantly - no design skills needed.
Energy Flow Sankey Diagram TemplatesankeyVisualize energy sources, generation, and consumption with this free Sankey diagram template. Track flows from coal, gas, and renewables to end sectors.
Water Flow Sankey Diagram TemplatesankeyMap the full water cycle — from rainfall and snowmelt to treatment plants, residential use, and beyond — with this free Sankey diagram template.
Supply Chain Sankey Diagram TemplatesankeyVisualize your supply chain flows from raw materials to end consumers with this free Sankey diagram template. Track product movement and returns.
Blank Sankey Diagram TemplatesankeyStart with a blank Sankey diagram template to visualize revenue flows, budgets, and processes. Free, customizable, and AI-powered. No account needed.
Related Tools
Create similar charts with these tools
Flow Diagram Makersankey
Build stunning Sankey flow diagrams in minutes. Visualize energy, budget, and data flows with our free AI-powered flow diagram maker. No design skills needed.
Sankey Diagram MakersankeyCreate stunning Sankey diagrams in minutes. Visualize flows, energy transfers, and resource allocation with our free AI-powered Sankey diagram generator.
Energy Flow Diagrams, InstantlysankeyBuild stunning energy flow diagrams instantly with AI. Visualize where energy goes, spot waste, and present findings clearly. Free Sankey diagram maker.
Sankey Diagrams, Built InstantlysankeyBuild interactive Sankey diagrams in seconds. Visualize energy flows, budget allocations, and process data with our free AI-powered Sankey diagram maker.
Comparison
Sankey Diagram in Excel vs. MakeCharts
Excel was not designed for Sankey diagrams. Here is why people switch.
Sankey Diagram on MakeCharts
- Purpose-built Sankey editor with visual node and link controls
- AI generates a complete diagram from a plain-language description
- Flow widths scale automatically as you update values
- Export crisp PNG or SVG files at any resolution
- No sign-up, no plugins, works in any browser instantly
- Refine colors, labels, and layout in real time with live preview
Sankey Diagram in Excel
- No native Sankey chart type — requires third-party add-ins
- Complex VBA scripts or workarounds to simulate flow widths
- Manual node positioning that breaks when data changes
- Blurry exports when pasting charts into Word or PowerPoint
- Steep learning curve for anyone without Excel expertise
- No AI assistance — every update is manual
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a Sankey diagram in Excel?
Excel does not have a built-in Sankey diagram type. You would need a third-party add-in or a complex stacked bar chart workaround, which is time-consuming and hard to maintain. MakeCharts offers a dedicated Sankey diagram maker that works instantly in your browser — no add-ins required.
How do I make a Sankey diagram without Excel?
With MakeCharts, you can build a Sankey diagram in under two minutes. Add your nodes (categories), define the flow links between them with values, and your diagram renders live. You can also describe your data in plain language and let the AI generate the diagram for you.
What data do I need to create a Sankey diagram?
You need two things: a list of nodes (the categories or stages in your flow) and a list of links (connections between nodes with a numeric value). For example: 'Revenue to Cost of Goods: 4200' defines one link. MakeCharts walks you through adding both step by step.
Is this Sankey diagram tool free?
Yes. The core Sankey diagram maker is completely free with no sign-up required. You can create, customize, and download your diagram at no cost. Pro plans unlock file upload, higher AI credits, and embed codes for websites.
Can I use this for a Sankey diagram in PowerPoint or Google Slides?
Absolutely. Export your Sankey diagram as a PNG or SVG file and insert it directly into PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, or any presentation tool. SVG exports stay sharp at any zoom level.
How many nodes and links can a Sankey diagram have?
MakeCharts supports multi-level Sankey diagrams with many nodes and links. For best readability, most Sankey diagrams use between 5 and 20 nodes. If you have a very large flow network, the AI can help you simplify and group categories for clarity.
What is a Sankey diagram used for?
Sankey diagrams visualize flows and their proportional magnitudes — how quantities like money, energy, traffic, or materials move from sources through processes to outputs. The wider the link, the larger the flow. They are commonly used in finance, energy audits, marketing analytics, and supply chain reporting.
Can I customize the colors in my Sankey diagram?
Yes. You can assign individual colors to each node and choose between node-matched link colors or gradient flows. Font sizes for labels and values are also adjustable, and you can control link transparency and node spacing.
Built for Everyone
- No spreadsheet or design skills needed — the editor guides you step by step
- Works in 12+ languages so your whole team can use it
- Optimized for desktop and mobile — create on any device
- Free tier with no sign-up so you can start immediately
- AI assistance available for users at every skill level
- Clean, distraction-free interface focused on your data
Your Data Stays Yours
- Your chart data is not sold or shared with third parties
- You control what is saved and what is exported
- Delete your charts and account data at any time
- No tracking of the actual values in your diagrams
- Secure connections for all data transfers
Start now
Make Your Sankey Diagram Now
No Excel add-ins. No sign-up. Just a clean, beautiful Sankey diagram in minutes.
- Free forever — no credit card
- AI-powered from your description
- Download as PNG or SVG
- Customize colors, labels, and layout
- Share via link or embed on your site
Free to use. No sign-up required. Export as PNG or SVG.