Free Funnel Plot Generator
Create a meta-analysis funnel plot from plain text
Describe your study effect sizes, precision or standard errors, and the confidence-interval funnel you want shown, and AI draws a clean, professional funnel plot — ready for systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and publication-bias assessment.
Funnel plot examples
Click any example to load its prompt, or use it as a starting point for your own funnel plot.
What is a funnel plot?
A funnel plot is a scatter plot used in meta-analysis to assess publication bias and small-study effects, plotting each study's effect size on the x-axis against a measure of its precision (usually the standard error) on the y-axis. Larger, more precise studies sit near the top and cluster tightly around the pooled effect, while smaller, less precise studies spread out toward the bottom, so a complete set of studies forms a symmetric inverted funnel. This funnel plot generator turns a plain-text description into a clean, labeled figure — you describe your effect sizes, precision, pooled effect, and confidence-interval funnel, and the AI produces a properly proportioned plot with titled axes, plotted study points, and the funnel CI lines, all without statistics software or coding.
Why use a funnel plot generator
- Funnel plots are the standard visual check for publication bias and small-study effects in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
- Building a publication-quality funnel plot in R (metafor), Stata, or RevMan takes setup and formatting that distracts from the analysis.
- Students learning meta-analysis understand asymmetry and bias far better from a clearly labeled funnel plot.
- Researchers and reviewers need quick, presentable funnel plots for protocols, slides, and journal submissions.
- Changing the effect sizes, precision, or CI funnel and regenerating is much faster than editing plotting code by hand.
How to make a funnel plot
Name the effect measure on the x-axis (such as odds ratio, risk ratio, or standardized mean difference) and the precision measure on the y-axis (standard error, often inverted so precise studies sit at the top). Describe your studies and whether the scatter should look symmetric or asymmetric. Then add the visual features you need: a vertical line at the pooled effect, 95% confidence interval funnel lines or pseudo confidence limits, axis titles, and a title. Generate the funnel plot, check the axes, funnel lines, and point pattern, and refine the description if anything is unclear.
Parts of a funnel plot
- X-axis (effect size) — the horizontal scale showing each study's effect measure, such as a log odds ratio or mean difference.
- Y-axis (precision) — the vertical scale showing standard error or precision, usually inverted so the most precise studies appear at the top.
- Vertical reference line — a line at the pooled (summary) effect that the studies should be centered on.
- Funnel CI lines — the inverted, V-shaped 95% confidence interval (or pseudo CI) lines that widen toward the bottom.
- Study points — one marker per study, positioned by its effect size and precision.
- Symmetry interpretation — a symmetric funnel suggests no bias, while asymmetry hints at publication bias or small-study effects.
Funnel Plot Generator FAQ
What is a funnel plot?
A funnel plot is a scatter plot used in meta-analysis to check for publication bias. Each study is plotted by its effect size on the x-axis and its precision (usually standard error) on the y-axis, so precise studies cluster near the top and smaller studies spread toward the bottom, forming an inverted funnel. A symmetric funnel suggests little bias, while an asymmetric one can indicate publication bias or small-study effects.
How do I make a funnel plot online?
Type a short description of what you want, such as a funnel plot of 20 studies with effect size on the x-axis and standard error on the y-axis, plus 95% confidence interval funnel lines and a pooled-effect line. SciDraw AI then draws a clean, labeled funnel plot. You can adjust the wording and regenerate until the funnel plot matches what you need.
What do the axes and shape of a funnel plot mean?
The x-axis is the effect size (for example a log odds ratio or mean difference) and the y-axis is the study's precision, typically the standard error plotted upside down so the most precise studies sit at the top. With no bias, studies scatter symmetrically inside an inverted funnel around the pooled effect. Asymmetry — studies missing from one bottom corner — suggests publication bias or small-study effects, where small studies with non-significant results are under-reported.
Is a funnel plot the same as a sales or marketing funnel chart?
No. This tool makes the statistical meta-analysis funnel plot, which graphs effect size against precision to assess publication bias across studies. It is not a marketing or sales funnel chart that shows conversion stages from awareness to purchase. If you need the meta-analysis funnel plot for a systematic review, this is the right tool.
Is the funnel plot generator free?
Yes, you can start for free. Create an account and you receive free credits to generate funnel plots right away, with paid plans available if you need to make many meta-analysis figures and funnel plots on a regular basis.
Is it suitable for systematic reviews and meta-analysis research?
Absolutely. The funnel plots are well suited to systematic reviews, meta-analysis research, and evidence-synthesis coursework, as well as protocols, slides, and journal submissions. Generate a labeled funnel plot to illustrate symmetry, asymmetry, or small-study effects for the exact set of studies your review covers.
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Describe your effect sizes and precision and get a clean, labeled meta-analysis funnel plot in seconds. Start free with SciDraw AI.
