Flowchart Symbols and Examples with Definition and Diagram

A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents a process, showing the steps as symbols of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows.

This diagrammatic representation can give a step-by-step solution to a given problem. It helps in finding the solution to a problem and facilitate in showing the input, process, and output of the problem.

This is a Complete Guide About Flowchart in Excel with Diagram & Examples.

in This Article You’ll Learn:

• What is a Flowchart (Definition)
• Some Examples of Flowchart
• Benefits
• Standard Flowchart Symbols
• Lots more….!

Let’s get started.

What is a Flowchart? (Definition)

Flowcharting or flowchart is a process of pictorial illustration for solving a problem. it is also a form of graphical representation of a certain process or algorithm. the activity diagram or  Flowcharting is a tool for analyzing processes. Flowcharting can be used in computer systems design, programming, engineering, and science, etc.

these days flowchart in using in different technical fields and developing processes such as industrial processes, computer programming, cognitive psychology, and economics.

the flowchart can explain graphical representations with the help of geometrical figures. each image using in the flowchart is a step by step execution of plans with according to specified meanings connecting with each other through different types of arrows to make the direction flow.

Benefits of flowchart:

1. It helps in understanding the logic of the problem-solving processes.
2. It gives the pictorial representation of the processes involved in the problem solution.
3. It shows the flow processes in a sequential manner.

Standard Flowchart Symbols

Flowcharting uses standardized sets of symbols. The main symbols used in a flow chart with their description and examples are given in the following table.

• Diagram start
• Start the activity or input
• Controlling activity
• The connection between parts through arrows
• Decision making Symbols
• Flow

Guidelines for Flowcharting

Following guidelines should be followed while drawing a flowchart:

1. 1. It should be clear, neat and easy to follow.
   2. the Flow of flowchart is either from left to right or from top to bottom.
   3. Only one flow line should enter and come out of the process symbol.
   4. Only one flow line should enter a decision symbol, but two flow lines could come out, one for each possible answer, should leave the decision symbol.

1. Only one flow line is used to Start / End symbol.
2. Avoid the intersection of flow lines to make it more effective.

Examples of Flowchart

Some samples are given to solve some simple problems are given as follows:
Types of Flowchart

there are different types of flowcharts depending upon to serve different purposes. some are process-based

basically there are four basic types of a flowchart when you orient your presentation in it which are as follows:

• Horizontal: it is a most common orientation model or style and start from right to left as of their reading order.
• Panoramic: it can represent an entire process on a single sheet by using verticle and horizontal modes.
• Vertical: the operations go from top to bottom in this type of illustration.
• Architectural: Architectural describes a person’s work itinerary on the based of work-area.

Rules for making a flow chart

Before starting to make a flow diagram you must follow some rules and steps for better elaboration and consideration which are as follows:

• Identify first the main tasks of the whole process along with its context and author.
• always place return lines under the Flow diagram
• Identify who will read it and what status of mind he has.
• Define the major objectives that it will pursue.
• always flow data from left to right.
• must choose a level of detail and the limits regarding the flowchart for better understanding.
• Keeping the whole thing on a single page.
• not to use Traditional Decision Symbol instead of Split Path.

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