Pictograms
Grade 1What is a pictogram?
A pictogram uses a repeated symbol to represent data. A key tells you how many each full symbol stands for. Instead of a number on an axis, you count — or part-count — the symbols in each row.
The only catch is fractions of symbols. Half a symbol means half the key value. A quarter symbol means a quarter of the key value. The question will usually use halves — rarely anything smaller.
Reading a pictogram
Completing a pictogram
Don't miss the key
Try this one
A pictogram shows the number of sandwiches sold at a cafe. The key states that each full symbol represents 8 sandwiches.
| Day | Symbols |
|---|---|
| Monday | 4 full symbols |
| Tuesday | 3 full symbols and 1 half symbol |
| Wednesday | 2 full symbols and 1 half symbol |
(a) Work out the total number of sandwiches sold across all three days. [3]
(b) The cafe owner says: "More than 80 sandwiches were sold in total over these three days." Is the owner correct? Show your working. [1]
Interpreting pictograms: convert each row to a number of sandwiches by multiplying full symbols by the key value and adding half the key value for each half symbol.
Ask yourself: 'What is half of 8, and have I accounted for every full and half symbol in each row before adding them all together?'
