A Genealogy Fan Chart is a diagram that visualises a hierarchical tree structure using a semi-circle format, radiating outward from the central root node. Essentially, this chart is a Sunburst Diagram cut in half and used typically to display a person’s or couple’s family tree in an easily digestible and visually appealing format.

When constructing a Genealogy Fan Chart, the individual or couple whose genealogy is being visualised is placed in the central root node. Each outer ‘ring’ represents a previous generation of descendants, with the outmost ring containing the oldest generation. Genealogy Fan Charts usually contain up to 7 generations (depending on the screen or page space available). Any more, and the chart can become too hard to read on the outer rings.

The circle sectors each contain an individual descendant with their information, such as name, birth & death date, photograph, and any relevant details. Colour may be used to distinguish generations or categories.

When visualising the genealogy of an individual, one half of the chart contains the paternal lineage and the other half the maternal lineage. If a married couple’s genealogy is visualised, then one side of the chart includes all the husband’s ancestral lineage, while the wife’s lineage is on the other side.

Tools that can build a Genealogy Fan Chart: