> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.apica.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.apica.io/data-management/overview-1/visualizations/funnel.md).

# Funnel

A funnel chart shows how a single numeric metric changes across an ordered sequence of steps. Use it to compare stages and measure drop-off, growth, or stability.

It’s ideal for:

* conversion or pipeline steps
* request flows and stage transitions
* resource consumption stages
* stability checks over time (step = timestamp)

### What a funnel chart represents

Each row in the funnel represents one **step** (for example, time, stage, or state).

For each step, the funnel typically shows:

* **Step**: the stage or time
* **Value**: the numeric metric
* **% Max**: value relative to the highest step
* **% Previous**: value relative to the previous step

<figure><img src="/files/RiU2CUzkk5eEdJP5ZM2p" alt=""><figcaption><p>Sunburst chart</p></figcaption></figure>

### Configure a funnel chart

Use the **Plot** panel to choose the step column, value column, and sorting.

<figure><img src="/files/kJl5NakAoT3519OTBFjl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Funnel chart options

Use these options to control how the funnel chart renders.

| Option             | Purpose                            | Typical values / notes                                                                       |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Step column        | Defines what each step represents. | Common: `timestamp`. Other examples: `stage`, `status`, `pipeline_step`, `deployment_phase`. |
| Step column title  | Display name for the step column.  | Example: `step`. Cosmetic only.                                                              |
| Value column       | Metric to compare across steps.    | Must be numeric. Examples: `value`, `memory_bytes`, `request_count`.                         |
| Value column title | Display name for the value column. | Example: `value`. Cosmetic only.                                                             |
| Enable sorting     | Sort steps before rendering.       | Useful for “top drop-offs” or “largest values first”.                                        |
| Sort column        | Field used for sorting.            | Often the same as Value column (for example `value`).                                        |
| Sort order         | Sorting direction.                 | `Ascending` or `Descending`.                                                                 |
| Apply              | Applies changes to the widget.     | Changes do not render until you click **Apply**.                                             |

{% hint style="info" %}
Key rules: Step column can be time or stage, Value column must be numeric, and sorting controls the funnel order. `% Max` shows relative scale, and `% Previous` shows step-to-step change.
{% endhint %}

### When to use funnel charts

Use funnel charts when you want to:

* track progression
* compare stages
* detect drop-offs
* measure stability