282 STATISTICS •^ PICTOGRAMS
Pictograms
In a pictogram, or pictograph, small pictures or symbols are
used to represent data. To divide the data into groups, the
pictures are usually placed in columns or rows.
The set of data shown in the
pictogram is all the birds seen.
Each type of bird is a subset of this
larger set. For example, there is one
subset for blackbirds.
Let’s look at this simple pictogram.
It shows the results of a survey of
the types and numbers of birds seen
by children at a primary school.
A pictogram must have a key
to explain what one symbol or
picture stands for. Here, the key shows
that one symbol means 1 bird spotted.
Count the symbols in a column to
find out how many birds of that
type the children saw. This is the
frequency of the subset. For example,
the frequency of blackbirds is three.
Always give your pictogram a title
Children saw
more starlings
than robins
There are six
symbols, so
children saw
six pigeons
Choose an
appropriate
symbol to
represent
your data
Robin Sparrow Pigeon Starling Greenfinch
Birds spotted by pupils at Maths Town Primary school
1 bird
spotted
KEY
Blackbird
In a pictogram, pictures
stand for numbers.
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