Pictographs
Data Handling: Pictographs
Pictographs
Pictographs
NCERT anchor
Joyful Mathematics 2 — Birds Come, Birds Go. Reading a picture-based count of birds or fruits mirrors the pictograph skill practised here.
What you'll learn
- That in a simple pictograph, one picture = 1 item.
- To read the total count of one category by counting its pictures.
- To compare two categories and find "how many more".
Key concepts
Verbal: Count the pictures, not guess — each picture stands for exactly one item.
Symbolic: 6 pictures of mangoes = 6 mangoes. Difference: 6 − 4 = 2 more mangoes than apples.
Level 1 — Reading one category
5 pictures of apples = 5 apples.
Level 2 — Comparing two categories
7 mangoes vs 4 bananas → 7 − 4 = 3 more mangoes.
Level 3 — Combining three categories
Pictographs with 3 fruits: add all picture-counts for the grand total.
Worked example
A pictograph shows 6 pictures of mangoes and 4 pictures of apples (1 picture = 1 fruit). How many fruits in all?
Step 1 — Count each category: mangoes = 6, apples = 4
Step 2 — Add: 6 + 4 = 10
Answer: 10 fruits in all
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Thinking one picture means more than 1 item | Confusing with bigger pictographs | In Class 2, one picture = one item |
| Subtracting in the wrong order | Order mix-up | For "how many more", subtract smaller from bigger |
| Missing a category when adding totals | Rushing | Count every row/category before adding |
Quick check
- A pictograph shows 8 apples and 5 bananas. Total fruits?
- 9 pictures of cows, 4 of goats — how many more cows?
- Pictograph shows 5, 4, and 3 pictures for 3 fruits — grand total?
Stretch: A pictograph shows 7 hens, 5 ducks, and 2 rabbits. How many animals in all?
Revision tip: Draw a simple pictograph of your favourite fruits at home using one sticker per fruit.
Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Pictographs.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- NCERT anchor
- What you'll learn
- Key concepts
- Worked example
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