Learn the Method
1Tally in fives.
Four upright marks, then the fifth gates across. Count groups: 5, 10, 15…
2Pictogram symbols carry a key.
Key: ● = 4 children. So ●●● = 12, and a half circle = 2.
3Half symbols = half the key.
If ● = 4, then ◐ = 2. Always read the key before counting.
Worked Example
In a pictogram, ● = 4 books. Amy's row shows ●●●◐. How many books has she read?
Watch Out! Common Mistakes
Careful! The diagonal gate IS the fifth mark, not an extra one. 卌 = 5, not 6.
Read the key! If ● = 4 children, then ●●● = 12 children, not 3.
Wrong! A half symbol means half the KEY value: if ● = 4, then ◐ = 2.
⬇ Cheat Sheet
- Tally in fives — the gate is the fifth mark.
- Always read the pictogram key first.
- Half symbol = half the key's value.
- Count symbols × key, then add halves.
Quick summary
- Tally marks group in fives — the diagonal gate is the fifth mark.
- A pictogram's key tells you what each symbol is worth.
- Half symbols mean half the key value: if ● = 4, ◐ = 2.
- Multiply symbols by the key, then add any halves.
Frequently asked questions
How do tally marks work?
You make four upright marks, then the fifth crosses through them like a gate — so completed groups count as fives, making totals quick to read.
What is a pictogram key?
The line that says what one symbol represents, such as '● = 4 children'. Every reading multiplies symbols by the key — ignoring it is the most common error.
What does half a symbol mean?
Half the key's value. If one circle stands for 4 books, half a circle stands for 2.
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