What is tornado diagram?

A tornado diagram, also known as a tornado chart or tornado plot, is a type of sensitivity analysis graph that illustrates the relative importance of different variables in a mathematical model. It is often used in project management, risk analysis, and decision-making to visually represent the impact of uncertainty or variability in input factors on a particular outcome.

In a tornado diagram, the variables are listed along the vertical axis, and the length of the bars represents the magnitude of their impact on the outcome. The bars are arranged in descending order, with the most influential variables at the top and the least influential at the bottom. The diagram resembles a tornado, hence the name.

Tornado diagrams can help decision-makers to prioritize their focus on the most critical variables that have the greatest impact on a particular outcome. By visually comparing the relative importance of different factors, stakeholders can make more informed decisions and allocate resources more effectively.

Overall, tornado diagrams are a useful tool for understanding and communicating the sensitivity of a model or project to different variables, and can be a valuable aid in risk management and decision-making processes.