How to Make a Pictograph

A pictograph or picture graph is a graph that uses symbols or pictures to show data. A key is included with the pictograph to explain what each picture represents. Learn to illustrate a sample pictograph by creating one for Sammy's Fruit Stand. Sammy sells apples, oranges, peaches and pears at his fruit stand. He wants to show how much inventory he has of each fruit.

Instructions

1. Draw a graph grid with four rows and two columns.

2. In the left column of the first row, write "Apples."

3. In the left column of the second row, write "Oranges."

4. In the left column of the third row, write "Peaches."

5. In the left column of the fourth row, write "Pears."

6. Make up a title for the pictograph. Write it above the grid. Name it "Sammy's Inventory."

7. Make up a symbol that will represent a specific number of fruit. For this example, we will use an X for each two pieces of fruit.

8. Below the graph write "Key: X stands for two pieces of fruit."

9. To complete the pictograph, you would count each fruit group at Sammy's Fruit Stand. If there are 10 apples, you would write five "X" symbols in the right column of the same row as "Apples." Do the same for each fruit group.

References

• Super Teacher Worksheets: Pictograph Worksheet