Reading Tables and Pictograms

What you will learn

• Read information from a table.
• Read a pictogram using its key.
• Answer questions about totals and differences.

Before you start: you should know your multiplication facts for $2$, $5$ and $10$ and how to read tally marks. See Counting with Tally Marks.

The idea

A table puts data in rows and columns with headings that tell you what each column means. To read a value, find the row you want, then move along to the right column.

Pictograms

A pictogram shows data with small pictures or symbols. The key tells you how many each symbol stands for. Always read the key first. A half symbol stands for half of the key value.

Choosing the key

When numbers are big, one symbol for each item is too many to draw. Use a key such as $1$ symbol $= 10$. Choose a key that divides all your numbers, or use half symbols.

Worked examples

Example 1: Reading a pictogram

Each symbol stands for $2$ pupils. Banana has $3$ symbols. How many pupils chose banana?

1. $3 \times 2 = 6$.

Answer: $6$ pupils

Example 2: Half symbols

Each symbol is $10$ books. Tuesday has $4$ whole symbols and one half symbol. How many books?

1. $4 \times 10 = 40$.
2. Half symbol: $10 \div 2 = 5$.
3. $40 + 5 = 45$.

Answer: $45$ books

Example 3: Comparing

Apple $8$ and grape $9$. How many more chose grape, and how many chose these two together?

1. $9 - 8 = 1$ more.
2. $8 + 9 = 17$ together.

Answer: $1$ more chose grape, and $17$ chose these two fruits.

Tip: read the title, the headings and the key before you read any numbers.

Why it matters

Tables and pictograms are everywhere: timetables, sports scores, shop price lists and news graphics. Reading them carefully is the first step to drawing and comparing bar charts.