Picture Graphs Examples in Math

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Picture Graphs.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Math.

Concept Recap

A way of displaying data using pictures or icons, where each picture represents one unit (or a set number of units), and the total for each category is found by counting or multiplying the number of pictures by the scale value.

Imagine voting for your favorite fruit by placing a sticker in a column. When you're done, the column with the most stickers is the winnerβ€”you can see the answer at a glance.

Read the full concept explanation β†’

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Picture graphs turn numbers into visuals, making it easy to compare quantities by counting or comparing lengths.

Common stuck point: When each picture represents more than one unit (e.g., each icon = 2 votes), students must multiply instead of just counting pictures.

Sense of Study hint: When you see a picture graph, first read the key to find out how much each picture is worth. Then count the pictures for each category. Finally, multiply the count by the key value to find the total.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
A picture graph shows: Cats = 🐱🐱🐱 (3 symbols), Dogs = 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 (5 symbols). Each symbol = 1 animal. How many more dogs than cats are there?

Solution

  1. 1
    Read the graph: Cats = 3, Dogs = 5.
  2. 2
    Find the difference: \(5 - 3 = 2\).
  3. 3
    There are 2 more dogs than cats.

Answer

2 more dogs
In a picture graph, count the symbols for each category, then subtract to compare.

Example 2

medium
A picture graph shows favorite fruits. Apple = 4 symbols, Banana = 6 symbols, Orange = 3 symbols. Each symbol = 2 students. How many students chose banana?

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

easy
A picture graph shows books read: Ann = β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… (4), Bob = β˜…β˜… (2). Each β˜… = 1 book. How many books did they read in total?

Example 2

medium
A picture graph shows: Red = 5 symbols, Blue = 3 symbols, Green = 4 symbols. Each symbol = 2 votes. Which color got the most votes, and how many?

Related Concepts

Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

counting