Data and Graphs: Tally Marks and Picture Graphs

Grade 1 · Math · Study Guide

Learn how to collect data, make tally marks, and read picture graphs.

Data is information we collect about the world. When we count things, we can record the information so we can look at it later and share it with others. Tally marks are one easy way to count. Each mark stands for 1. When you get to 5, you draw a diagonal line through 4 marks — this bundle of 5 is quick to count!

A picture graph (also called a pictograph) uses pictures or symbols to show data. Each picture stands for a number — usually 1. You can look at the rows or columns and quickly see which group has the most, which has the least, and compare amounts.

Reading a graph means asking questions about the data: Which row has more? How many in total? How many more does one group have than another? Graphs make it easy to compare information at a glance.

Key terms

data

Information that is collected and organized

tally mark

A line used to count; every 5th mark crosses the previous 4

picture graph

A graph that uses pictures or symbols to represent data

key

A guide on a graph that tells you what each picture represents

Flashcards

Tally Mark

A line used for counting; every 5th mark crosses the group to make a bundle of 5

Picture Graph

A graph that uses pictures to represent data

Key (in a graph)

Tells you what each symbol or picture in the graph represents

Data

Information collected by counting or measuring

Most

The category with the highest number in a graph

Least

The category with the lowest number in a graph

Practice questions

1. In the Favorite Fruit chart, which fruit was chosen by the most students?

   1. Apples
   2. Bananas
   3. Grapes
   4. Oranges
   Show answer

   Answer: Grapes

   Grapes has 7 students, the highest bar in the chart

2. Tally marks are grouped in sets of 5.

   Show answer

   Answer: True

   Tally marks are bundled in groups of 5 to make counting easier

3. Four tally marks with a diagonal line through them represents the number ___.

   Show answer

   Answer: 5

   Four marks with a diagonal line = 5; this is the standard tally bundle

4. In the Favorite Fruit chart, how many more students like Grapes than Oranges?

   1. 2
   2. 3
   3. 4
   4. 5
   Show answer

   Answer: 4

   7 (Grapes) - 3 (Oranges) = 4 more students

5. What tells you what each picture means in a picture graph?

   1. The title
   2. The key
   3. The data
   4. The tally
   Show answer

   Answer: The key

   The key explains what each picture or symbol stands for in a picture graph

Fun facts

• Tally marks are one of the oldest ways to count — ancient cave people carved tally marks into bones over 40,000 years ago!
• The first known bar graphs were made in the 1780s by a Scottish engineer named William Playfair.

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