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Pictograms and block graphs
In this unit you read data shown as pictures and blocks. A pictogram uses simple drawings, and a block graph uses blocks or coloured squares. You count them to answer questions.
Reading a pictogram
A pictogram uses simple pictures to show data. A key tells you what each picture stands for. Here 1 picture = 1, so you just count the pictures. If Friday shows 4 sunshine pictures, that is 4 hours of sunshine.
Reading a block graph
A block graph uses blocks or coloured squares. Each block stands for 1. Count the blocks in a column to see how many there are. The total number of blocks tells you how many there are altogether.
Comparing the data
You can compare the columns or pictures. The tallest column is the most (the favourite) and the shortest is the fewest (the least). To find how many more, take the smaller number away from the bigger one.
Finding the total
To find the total, add up all the pictures or all the blocks. For sunshine of Friday 4, Saturday 5 and Sunday 8, the total is 4 + 5 + 8 = 17 hours.
Worked examples
Read a pictogram (1 picture = 1)
- The key says 1 picture = 1 hour of sunshine.
- Friday has 4 pictures.
- So Friday had 4 hours of sunshine.
Answer: Friday had 4 hours of sunshine.
Count a block graph total
- Favourite colours: red 5, yellow 5, blue 6, green 4.
- Add all the blocks: 5 + 5 = 10, then 10 + 6 = 16.
- Then 16 + 4 = 20.
Answer: There are 20 children altogether.
Compare more and fewer
- Blue has 6 blocks and green has 4 blocks.
- Blue has the most, green has the fewest.
- Take away to compare: 6 - 4 = 2.
Answer: 2 more children like blue than green.
Find the total on a pictogram
- Sunshine: Friday 4 hours, Saturday 5 hours, Sunday 8 hours.
- Add all the days: 4 + 5 = 9.
- Then 9 + 8 = 17.
Answer: There were 17 hours of sunshine altogether.
Where you see this in real life
- A weather chart showing how many hours of sunshine each day.
- Counting the cars of each colour in a car park.
- Showing the favourite colours of children in your class.
- A survey of what children like to eat for breakfast.
Key words
- Pictogram
- A graph that uses simple pictures to show data.
- Block graph
- A graph that uses blocks or coloured squares to show data.
- Key
- A note that tells you what each picture stands for, such as 1 picture = 1 car.
- Most / least
- The tallest column is the most; the shortest column is the least.
- Total
- How many there are altogether when you add every picture or block.
- Data
- Information you have collected and shown on the graph.