Sankey Chart in Tableau

While working as a data analyst for a retail office supply company, I was analyzing how profit was generated from each region for different categories. For this, I have to create a data visualization through which we can understand which categories are the most profitable within each region and figure out if any area is generating losses for specific categories.

For this data visualization, I created a Sankey chart, displaying the source as region and the target as Product Category. In this, the width of the flow between each Region and Category represents the total profit generated.

In this Tableau tutorial, we will explain the Sankey chart in Tableau and the steps for creating one.

What is a Sankey Chart in Tableau?

In Tableau, a Sankey chart displays the flow of data between multiple categories, showing how values move from one stage to another. It’s useful for representing “before and after” states or relationships between different categories. The width of the flow lines in the chart represents the magnitude of the flow, with wider lines representing larger quantities.

Check out: Tableau Gauge Chart

Create a Sankey Chart in Tableau

In this Tableau Sankey chart, we are using the Superstore data of Tableau. After setting up the connection with the data source, follow the steps below.

1. In Tableau, to create a Sankey chart, we have an extension in the Marks section. To use this, you need to download this extension first.

Click on the Marks section dropdown and click the Add Extension button.

2. In the extension, you will see the Sankey chart at the top of the list. Here, click on the Download icon to get the Sankey chart in your Tableau.

3. In the Marks section, select the chart type as Sankey.

4. Unlike other charts in Tableau, we don’t need to add any columns or rows in the Sankey chart.

To visualize the values, we will add the Category and Region fields to the Level card in the Sankey chart mark type.

As we can see in the chart above, the data flow between two dimensions displays the supply of specific product categories in each region.

Check out: Tableau Dual Axis Chart

5. To show the profit generated from various product categories in each region, add the Profit to the Link card in the Sankey marks section.

Now, we can see a line connecting Region to Category, also displaying the sales profit generated for the product category in a specific region.

For example, when I hover the data line connecting the East region with the product category furniture, it will show the generated sales profit.

Here, the thicker line shows the most, and the thinner lines show the least profit.

This way, we can create a Sankey chart in Tableau by adding the Sankey extension.

Check out: Line Chart in Tableau

Create a Three-Level Sankey Chart in Tableau

Let’s take another example, where we can add more than two levels or dimensions in the Tableau Sankey chart. In this example, we will display the number of products supplied to different segments that are Home Office, Corporate, and Consumer.

This Sankey chart will show the data flow through which we can know the quantity of product and product subcategory supplied in each segment.

1. Set the Marks type to Sankey chart.

2. According to the example, to show the data flow among Category, Sub-Category, and Segment, add all three in the Level card.

With this, we can see the connection and the flow from Category to Segment and Segment to Category.

3. To display the number of products or the quantity of products, add the Quantity to the Link card in the Sankey chart Marks section.

Now, as we hover over any of the data connection lines, it will show the connection among the product category, segment, and subcategory.

For example, if I hover on the data line connecting category Office Supplies, segment as Consumer, and sub-category as Appliances, then it will display the connecting data and product quantity.

This way, we can create a three-level Sankey chart in Tableau to visualize the data between three dimensions.

Check out: Bullet Chart in Tableau

I hope the examples that we have discussed in the steps above helped to understand what a Sankey chart is in Tableau and how to create one to visualize complex data flows across multiple dimensions.

You may also like to read:

• Tableau Funnel Chart
• Gantt Chart in Tableau
• Sunburst Chart in Tableau
• Create Area Chart in Tableau
• Tableau Bubble Chart

Bijay Kumar

I am Bijay Kumar, the founder of SalesforceFAQs.com. Having over 10 years of experience working in salesforce technologies for clients across the world (Canada, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, etc.). I am a certified salesforce administrator and expert with experience in developing salesforce applications and projects. My goal is to make it easy for people to learn and use salesforce technologies by providing simple and easy-to-understand solutions. Check out the complete profile on About us.