Pictograms

What is a pictogram?

A pictogram uses pictures or symbols to represent data or information.

Each picture represents a number of items, making the data clear and easy to read.

The title of the pictogram tells us what the information is about.

The pictures and labels show us what each symbol represents and how much it stands for.

Activity: How to use pictograms

Complete this interactive activity to understand how to read information in a pictogram. Then put your knowledge to the test.

Pictograms

Pictograms are data tables which use pictures to represent numbers and data.

The information in a pictogram is organised in rows and columns.

Rows go across and columns go down.

All pictograms should have a key. The key will tell you what each picture stands for.

One picture might equal more than one item.

You can count how many pictures are in each row or column.

Then, if each picture represents more than one item, you can work out the number of items by multipling.

For example, if one picture equals 5 items and there are 3 pictures, you can multiply using your times tables.

5 x 3 = 15

The 3 pictures represent 15 items in total.

Remember, to read pictograms carefully so you understand what the pictures mean.

Example 1

Take a look at this pictogram.

A Year 2 class went on a school trip to the zoo. After they had visited, they created a pictogram of their favourite animals.

The title of this pictogram is 'Favourite animal at the zoo'.