flowchart symbols with examples

Flowcharts are graphical representations of a process or workflow, showing the steps as boxes of various shapes and sizes, connected by arrows and lines indicating the sequence of events. Flowcharts are used in various disciplines, including engineering, computer programming, business, and even education.

As with any language, knowing the symbols used in flowcharts is essential to understanding them. In this article, we will cover the most commonly used flowchart symbols, with examples of their use.

Basic Flowchart Symbols

The most basic flowchart symbols are represented by geometric shapes. Each shape represents a different function in a process.

Rectangle

The rectangle is the most common shape in a flowchart. It represents a process or activity.

Example:

Imagine you are creating a flowchart for a customer service process. The rectangle would represent the process of answering a customer’s call.

Diamond

The diamond shape represents a decision or branching point.

Example:

In the customer service flowchart, the diamond shape would represent the decision of whether the customer’s problem can be resolved over the phone or if it requires a technician to visit their home.

Oval

The oval shape represents the start or end of a process.

Example:

In the customer service flowchart, the oval shape would represent the beginning of the process when the customer first calls, and the end of the process when their problem has been resolved.

Flowchart Arrows and Lines

Flowchart arrows and lines connect the various shapes to show the sequence of events in a process.

Straight Line

A straight line is used to indicate the flow of a process.

Example:

In the customer service flowchart, a straight line would connect the rectangle representing answering the customer’s call to the diamond representing the decision point.

Curved Line

A curved line is used to indicate a jump or a loop in a process.

Example:

In the customer service flowchart, a curved line might be used to show that if the customer’s problem cannot be resolved over the phone, the process loops back to the beginning, where a technician is assigned to visit the customer’s home.

Advanced Flowchart Symbols

Advanced flowchart symbols are used to represent more complex functions in a process.

Terminator

The terminator symbol is used to indicate the start or end of a process. It is a rectangle with rounded corners.

Example:

In a project management flowchart, the terminator symbol would represent the start and end of the project.

Document

The document symbol represents a report or document that is used in a process. It is a rectangle with a folded corner.

Example:

In an accounting flowchart, the document symbol would represent an invoice or receipt that is used in the accounting process.

Data Storage

The data storage symbol represents a database or other storage system used in a process. It is a rectangle with two parallel lines at the bottom.

Example:

In a computer programming flowchart, the data storage symbol would represent a database used to store information.

Delay

The delay symbol represents a waiting period in a process. It is a rectangle with a wavy bottom.

Example:

In a manufacturing flowchart, the delay symbol would represent the time it takes for a product to be manufactured.

Conclusion

Understanding flowchart symbols is essential to creating and interpreting flowcharts. By mastering the basic and advanced symbols, you can create clear and concise flowcharts that accurately represent a process or workflow.