Interpret pictograms II: example question
31 October 2026
Pictograms are a simple way to show information using pictures or symbols. To read a pictogram, you need to look at the key and count the symbols for each item.
Example question
A pictogram shows the number of books read by children in a class. Each book symbol means 3 books.
Anna has 4 book symbols. Ben has 2 book symbols. Cara has 5 book symbols. How many books did each child read?
Step 1: Look at the key. Each book symbol means 3 books.
Step 2: Count the symbols for each child.
Anna: 4 symbols
Ben: 2 symbols
Cara: 5 symbols
Step 3: Multiply the number of symbols by 3.
Anna: 4 × 3 = 12 books
Ben: 2 × 3 = 6 books
Cara: 5 × 3 = 15 books
Answer: Anna read 12 books, Ben read 6 books, and Cara read 15 books.
Now your child can spot the key, count each symbol, and work out the total for each group. This helps them feel confident when they see pictograms in homework or tests. They can try a similar question next to practise these skills.
