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What is a pictogram?

A pictogram

A pictogram is a chart that uses pictures or symbols to represent data so you don鈥檛 have to look at lots of numbers.

You have to read pictograms carefully so you understand what the symbols mean.

All pictograms should have a key. A key shows you what each symbol represents.

A pictogram
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Example 1

Take a look at this pictogram. It shows how many cars a salesman sold during a week.

The key on the right shows you that each circle represents 10 cars.

A pictogram to show how many cars a salesman sold during the week

A pictogram to show how many cars a salesman sold during the week

How many cars were sold on Wednesday?

Wednesday has 2 circles so:

10 + 10 = 20 cars

How many cars were sold on Thursday?

A semi-circle represents 5 cars, because that is half of 10.

10 + 10 + 5 = 25 cars

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Example 2

Take a look at this next pictogram.

The key shows that one star represents 8 points. A half star must represent 4 points, since it is half of the whole.

A pictogram to show the number of house points collected in a school

pictogram shows the number of house points collected in a school

How many points did Sapphire win?

The pictogram shows that Sapphire have 3 full stars and a half star. You can use the key to work out how much this is in total:

8 + 8 + 8 + 4 = 28 points

How many more points did Ruby win than Emerald?

For this question, you will have to subtract once you have worked out how many points each house won.

Ruby were awarded 24 points. Emerald were awarded 20 points.

24 - 20 = 4 points

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Watch: Pictograms

Gordon the crow is in charge of a bird table. Watch the video below to find out how a pictogram can help him manage his stock.

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Activities

Quiz 1

Class P went on a school trip to the zoo. After they had visited, they created a pictogram of their favourite animals. Have a go at this quiz to find out more.

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Activity 2

You will need a piece of paper and pen for this activity

Class P are adding up their class team points for the past 5 weeks and creating a pictogram to show the results! Using the table below, can you fill in the missing numbers and create a pictogram?

TeamWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Total
Ruby2060101520125
Emerald2010102550?
Sapphire302040?30130
Diamond4010252025?
Pictogram showing team points for Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond.
Top tip

Always remember to read the key!

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Quiz 2

Have fun using pictograms with this quiz.

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NEW! Play Guardians: Defenders of Mathematica - the winter update
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More on Tables, graphs and charts

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