---
title: "Pictograms and tally charts"
description: "Interpret and construct simple pictograms, tally charts, block diagrams, and simple tables"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/pictograms-and-tally-charts-mt_c29FaCTNsx
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/pictograms-and-tally-charts-mt_c29FaCTNsx.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Pictograms and tally charts

Interpret and construct simple pictograms, tally charts, block diagrams, and simple tables

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Data & Statistics · Ages 6 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/pictograms-and-tally-charts-mt_c29FaCTNsx

## Ready when they can

- Read a pictogram where each symbol represents one item
- Construct a tally chart from collected data
- Draw a block diagram to represent data from a survey

## Lesson: Tally charts and block diagrams

You already know how to read a pictogram, where each little picture stands for one item. Now let's learn two more ways to show data: tally charts and block diagrams.

*(drawing: Each line is one item. After four lines, the fifth one crosses them to make a group of five. Here there are 8: three single lines, then one crossed group of five.)*

**Example.** Mia asked her class which fruit they liked best. She drew a tally mark for every answer, then counted the tallies and drew a block for each fruit. The tallest block shows apple was the favourite.

**Tip.** When you make a tally chart, count in fives. Draw four lines standing up, then draw the fifth line across them. A crossed group of five is easy to spot and count fast.

**Recap.** A tally chart counts with grouped marks, and a block diagram turns those counts into blocks you can compare at a glance.

## Practice

18 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Data collection and display vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/data-collection-and-display-vocabulary-mt_u5HkSxZECM)
- [Sorting into categories](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/sorting-into-categories-mt_xppl18avyY)
- [Sorting data into categories](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/sorting-data-into-categories-mt_ylXdiVRAYv)

## Opens up

- [Recording and presenting data](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/recording-and-presenting-data-mt_7IFpDVNsmt)
- [Simple Chance Experiments](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/simple-chance-experiments-mt_J4j7d3iAfg)
- [Scaled picture graphs and bar graphs](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/scaled-picture-graphs-and-bar-graphs-mt_r8XnXwRA6g)