Markov state transition diagrams are graphical representations of system states and the possible transitions between these states. They provide a visual aid to help understand Markov models. A state transition diagram can graphically represent all:

In some cases, analysts represent continuous Markov models in terms of their discrete equivalents. The transition rates are replaced with equivalent transition probabilities considering that the state transition time is very small ( Δt). This leads to a situation where the system can remain in the current state after time Δt with some probability. Thus, in this case, the probabilities of remaining in the existing state (transition rates) are also shown in the diagram.

A given system configuration is considered, at any instant in time, to exist in one of several possible states. In a single diagram, all of the operational and failure states of the system and the possible transitions between them are shown. The state transition diagram displays system states as individual nodes and transitions as either arrows or arcs.