The idea, step by step
Read the key first
A pictograph uses repeated pictures to represent data. The key tells you what each picture means. If one circle means 2 votes, then 4 circles mean 8 votes. Do not count circles as votes until you have checked the key.
Read an axis scale
A column graph shows values by column heights. Start at zero and read equal steps on the numbered axis. On this graph the labels increase by 2. Trace across from the top of a column to the scale, then use the value rather than the column’s appearance.
A common trap
Counting symbols without applying the key.
Instead: Read the key or axis scale first; one symbol or interval may represent more than one item.
See the thinking
Scaled pictures
A pictograph row has 3 circles. The key says one circle means 2 votes. How many votes does the row show?
- Read the key: 2 votes per circle.
- 3 groups of 2 make 6.
Compare columns
Using the fruit graph, how many more votes did Apple receive than Pear?
- Read Apple at 8 votes.
- Read Pear at 4 votes.
- 8 − 4 = 4.
Check your understanding
A key says one star represents 5 books. What do 4 stars represent?
Show answer
20 books.
4 groups of 5 make 20.
Your turn
6 questions · 8 marks · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- A pictograph key says one circle represents 3 votes. What do 4 circles represent?1 mark
- A key says one square represents 2 trees. How many squares show 10 trees?1 mark
- Read the number of Banana votes from the supplied graph.1 mark
- Find the total fruit votes in the supplied table.1 mark
Practice survey: favourite fruit Fruit Votes Apple 8 Banana 6 Pear 4 - A key says one symbol means 4 people. What does half a symbol mean?2 marks
- A graph scale is labelled 0, 2, 4, 6, 8. A column ends halfway between 6 and 8. What value does it show?2 marks
Read the worked solutions
Equivalent correct methods earn the corresponding marks. Include units where asked.
- A pictograph key says one circle represents 3 votes. What do 4 circles represent?1 mark
4 × 3 = 12.
12 votes. - A key says one square represents 2 trees. How many squares show 10 trees?1 mark
10 divided by 2 is 5.
5 squares. - Read the number of Banana votes from the supplied graph.1 mark
Trace from the Banana column top to 6 on the vertical scale.
6 votes. - Find the total fruit votes in the supplied table.1 mark
Practice survey: favourite fruit Fruit Votes Apple 8 Banana 6 Pear 4 8 + 6 + 4 = 18.
18 votes. - A key says one symbol means 4 people. What does half a symbol mean?2 marks
Half of 4 is 2.
2 people. - A graph scale is labelled 0, 2, 4, 6, 8. A column ends halfway between 6 and 8. What value does it show?2 marks
The halfway value is one above 6.
7.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum Mathematics 2026
Scaled pictographs/column graphs; data collection; suitable displays; distributions; survey investigations.
Official curriculum source ↗