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Pictograms

FoundationChallengeAQAEdexcelOCR

Practise pictograms with this free Foundation GCSE Maths worksheet from Virtus Academy. You'll work through drawing and reading pictograms, building confidence for your exam, and every question comes with worked solutions in the mark scheme. Suitable for AQA, Edexcel and OCR. Read the key: one symbol usually represents more than one item.

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These worksheets and mark schemes are original, written for Virtus Academy and checked against the current AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications. Every worksheet comes with a full mark scheme.

Foundation

WorksheetFoundation · PDFMark SchemeFoundation · PDF

Challenge / Extension

Stretch yourself beyond the basics.

WorksheetChallenge · PDFMark SchemeChallenge · PDF

Topic overview

A pictogram uses symbols to represent data, with a key stating how many items each symbol stands for.

The key is essential. If one symbol represents \(10\) people, then five symbols represent \(50\). Without the key the diagram means nothing, and questions frequently test whether you have used it.

Part-symbols represent fractions of that value. Half a symbol where each stands for \(10\) means \(5\), and a quarter means \(2.5\). Drawing and interpreting those fractions accurately is where most of the marks sit.

Revision notes

Using the key

Multiply the number of symbols by the value each represents.

With a key of one symbol equals \(4\) cars, six symbols show \(24\) cars.

Part symbols

A fraction of a symbol represents that fraction of the key value.

If one symbol is \(8\), then half a symbol is \(4\) and a quarter is \(2\). Draw part-symbols carefully so the fraction is clear.

Drawing a pictogram

Work out how many symbols each frequency needs by dividing by the key value.

A frequency of \(18\) with a key of \(4\) needs four and a half symbols. Keep the symbols the same size and neatly aligned.

Key points

  • A pictogram uses symbols to show data.
  • The key states what each symbol represents.
  • Multiply symbols by the key value.
  • Part symbols show fractions of that value.
  • Divide the frequency by the key value to draw.
  • Keep symbols the same size and aligned.

Worked examples

Example 1

One symbol represents \(5\) books. How many books do \(7\) symbols show?

Working

\[7 \times 5\]multiply symbols by the key value
\[= 35 \text{ books}\]state the answer

Example 2

One symbol represents \(8\) cars. What does half a symbol show?

Working

\[8 \div 2\]half the key value
\[= 4 \text{ cars}\]state the answer

Example 3

A frequency of \(22\) is drawn with a key of \(4\). How many symbols are needed?

Working

\[22 \div 4\]divide the frequency by the key value
\[= 5.5 \text{ symbols}\]five and a half symbols

Common mistakes

  • Counting symbols without using the key.

    Six symbols do not mean six items unless the key says so.

  • Ignoring part symbols.

    Half a symbol carries half the key value and must be counted.

  • Drawing symbols of different sizes.

    They must be identical so the comparison is fair.

  • Forgetting to include a key.

    Without it the pictogram cannot be interpreted.

Exam tips

  • Read the key before interpreting anything.
  • Include part symbols in your count.
  • Divide by the key value to work out how many symbols to draw.
  • Keep symbols identical in size and evenly spaced.

Key terms

Pictogram
A chart using symbols to represent data.
Key
A statement of what each symbol represents.
Part symbol
A fraction of a symbol showing a fraction of the value.
Frequency
How many times something occurs.

Related topics

Written and reviewed against the current AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications. Spotted an error? Let us know.