Create energy flow arrows (Sankey diagram) in Excel

Descriptive Sankey diagrams (energy flow arrows) can be quickly created in Excel and designed in a comprehensive manner.

Create a simple Sankey diagram in Excel

In this section we describe the easiest way to create a Sankey diagram:

1. In Excel, click Insert> SmartArt.
2. Click on "Process" in the new window and select here, for example, the "Simple Process". Excel offers a variety of different flowcharts.
3. Label the values ​​using the on-screen display. In this display you can add several step sequences of a task to the diagram by pressing the Enter key.
4. Move the individual boxes or change the arrows as required.
5. The shapes can be formatted by right-clicking. Design the diagram according to your wishes.

Sankey diagram using Sankey Helper 2.4.1

The above instructions are usually sufficient for simple diagrams. For larger Sankey diagrams, however, it is better to use professional software:

1. Download the Sankey Helper 2.4.1 and unzip the file.
2. Now open "SankeyHepler2_4_1.xls". Sample data is already available in this file. Create your data analogously to the example table or mark the existing data cells.
3. Click "View"> "Macros" and select "FullSankeyFromTable" from the macro list. Now click on "Run".
4. You may be advised that macros are disabled due to the current security setting. To change this, click on the Microsoft Office button in the top left corner of Excel and select "Access Options".
5. In the Excel options, click "Trust Center"> "Trust Center Settings"> "Macro Settings".
6. Now click on "Activate all macros" in the options and save the setting with "OK". Then close Excel and go to step 2 again to create a Sankey chart.

In another practical tip, you will read how to insert two Y axes in an Excel chart.