1442 LearnersLast updated on June 12th, 2025
Tally Marks
Tally marks is a way of counting the numbers easily and quickly. It works by representing the numbers as a set of five lines. Four vertical lines indicate that the count is currently at four, and a fifth diagonal line across the four vertical lines complete a set of five lines. A set of five lines indicates that the count is five. Let's discuss tally marks in this article.
What are Tally Marks?
Tally marks are used to count numbers, and are tracked in groups of five. They are used throughout the world to visually represent grouped observations efficiently.
Tally marks are represented by a single vertical line ‘|’. The first vertical line represents the number 1, while the second, third, and fourth line represents the numbers 2, 3, and 4 respectively. For the fifth count, a diagonal line is run across the previous four vertical lines (from the upper right to the bottom left). This pattern then repeats, continuing with sets of single vertical lines followed by a diagonal line for the fifth count.
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How to Interpret a Tally Chart?
Before we learn about tally mark charts and how to interpret them, we must first learn how to read and write them. We start with first learning what the symbols of tally marks are and how to count them.
In this image, you can see the numbers from 1 to 10 represented using tally marks. Each number is shown with a single vertical line ‘|’, and after reaching 5, the pattern repeats. This same pattern repeats for numbers beyond 10 as well. To count numbers using tally marks, all we need to do is count the total number of lines that are present.
To better understand tally marks we will use a tally chart. A tally chart is an easy way of recording data and counting the amount of a particular data (frequency). First, collect the data, sort it into categories, and then tally the marks to find the frequency.
So let us use an example,
A tally chart displays the frequency and the tally marks, making it easy to analyze the data more efficiently.
To create a tally chart we first collect the raw data, sort the data into categories, record the data into the table using the five-line tally marks, and then we count the tally to get the frequencies.
A tally chart helps analyze data quickly. Large numbers can be counted quickly by just counting the tally groups and then multiplying it by 5.
Uses of Tally Marks
Tally marks are a very simple and efficient way to track and count data. Here are some common uses of tally marks:
- Keeping track of numbers: Tally marks make it much easier to count objects or occurrences without losing track.
- Used in collecting data in surveys: Tally marks can be used to count the number of votes.
- Observations in science: They are used by researchers to record counts during trials or experiments. One such example is counting birds in a wildlife survey.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Tally Marks
Students can make mistakes when learning about tally marks, here are some common mistakes that students make and ways to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Not grouping the tally marks in five
When writing tally marks, students might forget to group them in five and just keep putting a vertical line after 4 vertical lines. Always group the vertical lines and then cross them with a fifth diagonal line.
Mistake 2
Counting the tally marks incorrectly
Students might get confused when reading the tally marks. They may read the line twice or skip one more tally mark when reading a large set. Learn how to read the tally marks until 5 and then add extra lines once students are comfortable.
Mistake 3
Drawing the diagonal line too early
Students must ensure that the diagonal line must be added only after the four vertical lines are added.
Mistake 4
Incorrectly reading the data
Students might mistakenly read the frequency tables and the total value might be incorrect. So make sure that students read the tally slowly and mark the lines that are already read.
Mistake 5
Students might not know when and where to use the tally marks
Students may not realize that tally marks are much easier to use to count numbers, instead of counting one by one.
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Solved Examples
Problem 1
There are 17 books in a library. Represent the count using tally marks.
Explanation
We group the tally marks in sets of five. After three sets of five, we add two more marks, making a total of 17.
Problem 2
You have 12 apples. Represent this number using tally marks.
Tally mark pic
Explanation
We group the tally marks in sets of five.
Two sets of five give 10, and then we add two more to make 12.
Problem 3
There are a total of 8 cars in a parking lot. Use tally marks to represent the count.
Tally mark pic
Explanation
We add one group of 5, and then we add three extra tallies to represent the number 8.
Problem 4
There are 21 dogs in a dog park. Represent the number of dogs in the park using tally marks.
Tally mark pic
Explanation
Add four sets of five tally marks which gives a total of 20 and then add one extra line to make it 21.
Problem 5
A teacher conducted a survey in a classroom to find out the students’ favourite fruits. The results were recorded in a tally chart. Find out the count of each fruit.
Apple = 9
Banana = 7
Orange = 10
Mango = 8
Explanation
Each tally mark | represents one vote.
After four vertical lines, the fifth line is drawn diagonally across the four vertical lines.
The total number of tally marks is then counted and written in the frequency column.
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FAQs on Tally Marks
1.How do you count numbers using tally marks?
2.Why are tally marks grouped in sets of 5?
3.Can we tally marks for any kind of data?
4.How do you represent the number zero in tally marks?
5.Can we use tally marks to track time?
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Jaipreet Kour Wazir
About the Author
Jaipreet Kour Wazir is a data wizard with over 5 years of expertise in simplifying complex data concepts. From crunching numbers to crafting insightful visualizations, she turns raw data into compelling stories. Her journey from analytics to education ref
Fun Fact
: She compares datasets to puzzle games—the more you play with them, the clearer the picture becomes!
