Read a table
A table helps us see each category and its value clearly.
| Fruit | Votes |
|---|---|
| Apple | 6 |
| Banana | 4 |
| Pear | 5 |
Look along the row to match the label and the number.
Year 3
Interpret and present data using bar charts, pictograms and tables
Read and organise data shown in simple tables, pictograms and bar charts.
Lesson overview
Statistics
Data can be organised in different ways. Tables list information clearly, pictograms use repeated symbols, and bar charts compare values using bars. We can read each type carefully to find facts and compare amounts.
Read a pictogram
A pictogram uses symbols to show amounts.
Key: each dot = 1 vote
| Category | Symbols |
|---|---|
| Cats | 4 |
| Dogs | 6 |
| Fish | 2 |
Count the symbols carefully using the key.
Read a bar chart
Taller bars show larger amounts. Each bar is read from the numbered scale.
Slide the chart sideways to see all of it.
| Colour | Votes |
|---|---|
| Red | 3 |
| Blue | 7 |
| Green | 5 |
Follow the top of each bar across to the scale to read its value.
Worked example
Which fruit got the most votes in the table?
| Fruit | Votes |
|---|---|
| Apple | 6 |
| Banana | 4 |
| Pear | 5 |
- Read each row in the table.
- Apple has 6 votes, Banana has 4 and Pear has 5.
- 6 is the greatest number.
- So Apple got the most votes.
Try it
Use the key or labels carefully, then compare the values shown.
Question 1
Which pet has the most votes in the pictogram?
Key: each dot = 1 vote
| Category | Symbols |
|---|---|
| Cats | 4 |
| Dogs | 6 |
| Fish | 2 |
Question 2
How many votes does Pear have in the table?
| Fruit | Votes |
|---|---|
| Apple | 6 |
| Banana | 4 |
| Pear | 5 |
Question 3
Which colour has the tallest bar?
Slide the chart sideways to see all of it.
| Colour | Votes |
|---|---|
| Red | 3 |
| Blue | 7 |
| Green | 5 |
Question 4
How many total votes are shown for Apple and Pear together?
| Fruit | Votes |
|---|---|
| Apple | 6 |
| Pear | 5 |
Question 5
Which statement is correct?
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Ignoring the key in a pictogram.
- Reading the category but not the value.
- Comparing bars without checking the labels and the scale.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Solve one-step and two-step questions using information presented in scaled bar charts, pictograms and tables.
- Add and subtract amounts of money to give change, using both pounds and pence.