Pictograph

A pictograph is a chart that uses pictures instead of numbers.

Each picture stands for something. Most often 1 picture = 1 thing, but sometimes 1 picture = 2 or 1 picture = 5.

Example: pets

In class we asked, "what pet do you have at home?"

Key: 1 icon = 1 pet.

From the chart we see:

• Most popular pet: dog (6).
• Least: fish (3).
• Cats and dogs together: 4 + 6 = 10.

Watch the key!

Sometimes 1 picture = 2 (or more). Then you must read the key below the chart.

Key: 🍎 = 2 apples.

If "Week 1" has 3 apple icons, that means 3 × 2 = 6 apples.

How to read a pictograph

1. Look at the key (what does 1 picture mean?).
2. Count the icons in the row.
3. Multiply (icons × key).

5 icons × 1 icon = 1 child = 5 children.

5 icons × 1 icon = 2 children = 10 children.

A half icon

Sometimes the chart shows half a picture — that means half the key.

If 1 picture = 2 and you see 2 ½ pictures, that is 2 × 2 + 1 = 5.

Summary

• Pictograph = a chart with pictures.
• The key says what 1 picture means (most often 1).
• Icons × key = total count.
• Half icon = half the key.