The following is a basic overview, with descriptions and meanings, of the most common flowchart symbols - also commonly called flowchart shapes, flow diagram symbols or process mapping symbols, depending upon what type of diagram you're creating. The table below lists the flowchart symbol drawing, the name of the flowchart symbol in Microsoft Office (with aliases in parentheses), and a short description of where and how the flowchart symbol is used. Show
Excel Flowchart WizardFlowBreeze is a flowchart add-in for Microsoft Excel that makes creating flowcharts simple and pain free. Free 30-Day Trial.DownloadProcess / Operation SymbolsSymbolName(alias)Description  (Subroutine)A Predefined Process symbol is a marker for another process step or series of process flow steps that are formally defined elsewhere. This shape commonly depicts sub-processes (or subroutines in programming flowcharts). If the sub-process is considered "known" but not actually defined in a process procedure, work instruction, or some other process flowchart or documentation, then it is best not to use this symbol since it implies a formally defined process. Branching and Control of Flow SymbolsSymbolName(alias)DescriptionFlow Line (Arrow, Connector)Flow line connectors show the direction that the process flows. (Terminal Point, Oval)Terminators show the start and stop points in a process. When used as a Start symbol, terminators depict a trigger action that sets the process flow into motion. Process Mapping: In process maps, this symbol is full sized and shows an Inspection point in the process flow. [Just to confuse things further, some people will use a circle to indicate an operation and a square to indicate an inspection. That's why it's important to include a symbol key in the flowchart.] (Storage)Flowchart: Shows the merging of multiple processes or information into one. Process Mapping: commonly indicates storage of raw materials. Process Mapping: commonly indicates storage of finished goods. Input and Output SymbolsSymbolName(alias)Description (I/O)The Data flowchart shape indicates inputs to and outputs from a process. As such, the shape is more often referred to as an I/O shape than a Data shape. File and Information Storage SymbolsSymbolName(alias)Description (Magnetic Tape)Although it looks like a 'Q', the symbol is supposed to look like a reel of tape. Data Processing SymbolsSymbolName(alias)Description Caveat: The descriptions given above are written from the perspective of someone using them to create process flow charts, whereas many of the flowchart symbols actually have their roots in the data processing diagrams and programming flow charts. So, not all the flowcharting shapes shown below may be relevant to your needs. The flowchart symbol names in parentheses are common alternates for a given shape. Sometimes a flowchart shape can have more than one meaning, as with the Circle shape, which depicts a jump node in flow charts and inspection point in business process mapping. Other times, there are just multiple names for the same flow chart symbol - such as Terminator and Terminal Point. The Most Commonly used Flowchart SymbolsThe majority of flowcharts rely on just a few of the process-related symbols to do all the heavy lifting: Terminator, Process, Decision, Document, and Connector. In fact, if you use other flowcharting shapes, many people won't know what they are for, so you may want to add a symbol key to your flowchart. About the Flowchart SymbolsYou might think that an expensive flowchart software package is required to make presentation-quality flowcharts. It isn't. All the shapes used in this article were created in Microsoft Excel. About the AuthorNicholas HebbNicholas Hebb is the owner and developer of BreezeTree Software, makers of FlowBreeze Flowchart Software, a text-to-flowchart maker, and Spreadspeed, an auditing and productivity toolset for Microsoft Excel®. What is input and output in flowchart?Input/Output symbol. Also referred to as the “Data Symbol,” this shape represents data that is available for input or output as well as representing resources used or generated. While the paper tape symbol also represents input/output, it is outdated and no longer in common use for flowchart diagramming.
What are the symbols used in flowcharting?4 Basic Flowchart Symbols for Creating a Flowchart. The Oval. An End or Beginning While Creating a Flowchart. The oval, or terminator, is used to represent the start and end of a process. ... . The Rectangle. A Step in the Flowcharting Process. ... . The Arrow. Indicate Directional Flow. ... . The Diamond. Indicate a Decision.. What are the 5 flowchart symbols?What are the five basic flowchart symbols. The oval, rectangle, diamond, parallelogram and arrow are the basics. The oval marks the start/end.
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