Turn Logic into VisualsTry 2.0 Now

Free Sankey Diagram Generator

Create Sankey diagrams instantly with our free AI generator. Visualize energy flows, budgets, and processes. Easier than Excel, Tableau, or Python.

Sankey diagram of energy flow in a power plant
Sankey diagram of website user flow
Sankey diagram of material flow in manufacturing
Sankey diagram of budget allocation
Sankey diagram of customer journey

What is a Sankey Diagram?

A Sankey diagram visualizes flow and quantity using arrows of varying widths. The width of each arrow is proportional to the amount flowing through it—making it instantly clear where the biggest flows are and how resources move through a system.

Sankey diagrams help you:

  • Show proportionsArrow width reveals relative magnitude at a glance
  • Track flowsFollow how inputs split and merge through a process
  • Find inefficienciesSpot where resources are lost or redirected
  • Tell data storiesMake complex flows intuitive for any audience

Named after Captain Matthew Sankey who used them to show steam engine efficiency in 1898, Sankey diagrams are now standard for energy audits, financial analysis, and user journey mapping.

What Can You Create?

Energy Flow Analysis

Visualize how energy moves through systems—from power generation to end use. Show where energy is consumed, converted, or lost. Essential for sustainability reports and efficiency audits.

Budget and Financial Flows

Track how money flows through an organization. Show revenue sources, department allocations, and expense categories. Great for annual reports and board presentations.

User Journey Mapping

Map how users flow through a website or app. Show where visitors enter, where they navigate, and where they convert or drop off.

Process and Material Flows

Visualize manufacturing processes, supply chains, or workflow efficiency. Identify bottlenecks and waste points.

Marketing Attribution

Show how leads flow through marketing channels to conversions. Visualize multi-touch attribution models.

Easier Than Traditional Tools

vs Excel

Excel doesn't natively support Sankey diagrams. Workarounds require complex stacked bar chart hacks or expensive add-ins. Our AI generates proper Sankey diagrams from your description—no spreadsheet gymnastics needed.

vs Tableau / Power BI

BI tools can create Sankey diagrams but require specific data formatting and configuration. Our generator works from plain English descriptions, making it faster for one-off visualizations.

vs Python / D3.js

Programming solutions like Plotly, D3.js, or R libraries offer flexibility but require coding skills. Describe your flow in natural language and skip the data transformation and code debugging.

For quick Sankey diagrams without the setup overhead, AI generation is the fastest path from idea to visualization.

Create Sankey Diagrams with AI

Describe your data flow and let AI generate a professional Sankey diagram instantly.

How it works:

  1. Describe your flow: "Energy Sankey diagram showing 100 units of fuel input, 40 units to electricity, 35 units lost as heat, 25 units to mechanical work"
  2. AI generates the Sankey diagram with proportional arrow widths
  3. Download in high resolution for reports and presentations

Works for any flow:

  • Energy and resource flows
  • Financial and budget allocation
  • Website and app user journeys
  • Process and supply chain mapping

Frequently Asked Questions