How to explain interpret pictograms II in pictograms to your student: Example question
31 October 2026
Interpreting pictograms is a key skill for 11+ maths. Children learn to use the key and count both full and half symbols to find the correct total. This helps them read data accurately and avoid common mistakes.
Example question
A pictogram shows the number of books read by children in a week. Each full book symbol represents 4 books. Lucy has 3 full book symbols and 1 half symbol. How many books did Lucy read?
Step 1: Read the key. One full symbol = 4 books.
Step 2: Count the full symbols for Lucy: 3 full symbols.
Step 3: Multiply the full symbols by the key value: 3 × 4 = 12 books.
Step 4: Count the half symbol. Half a symbol = 4 ÷ 2 = 2 books.
Step 5: Add the full and half symbol values: 12 + 2 = 14 books.
Lucy read 14 books.
After seeing this example, your child will recognise how to use the key and add up the values for full and half symbols in a pictogram. They can now try similar questions to build confidence with this type of data problem.
