Pictograph

A pictograph is a pictorial representation of data that uses pictures and symbols. It makes data fun and easy to read. We use pictographs to compare information with other kinds of data. They help lay the foundation for data interpretation based on the pictorial information. 

Each picture tells a story with numbers, and the key reveals their meaning. The pictures are arranged in rows or columns to show the data. 

Like shown in the picture above, each symbol indicates a number. The value of that number is mentioned in the key (shown at the bottom of the image). 

We can use a simple formula to find the total value of data shown in a pictograph. The formula is: N × V

Here, N represents the number of symbols or pictures and V indicates the value of each symbol.

For e.g., if we need to find the number of employees driving four-wheelers to office using a pictorial representation, we can use the formula, Total Value = N × V. Here, let’s say there are 4 pictures, and the key says that each picture represents 5 employees. 

So, total value = 4 × 5 = 20. The conclusion is that 20 employees drive four-wheelers to the office.

To draw a pictograph, there are certain key properties that you must know. Understanding these key properties will make it easier to learn the math of representing data as a pictograph.

• Data: The values of the dataset that are being represented
   
• Key: This is the numerical value that indicates what each symbol represents.
   
• Pictures and symbols: We use pictures and symbols to represent the data on pictographs

Pictographs are important because they represent data and make it easy to read. Let’s discuss their significance through the points given below:

• Easy to read: Pictographs are data shown in the form of pictures or symbols. So it is easier for kids to read and understand the data given. 
   
• Saves a lot of time: Instead of reading large numbers, pictographs help understand data much faster.
   
• Understood universally: Pictographs can be understood by people even from different language backgrounds, as they are universally understood.
   

Pictographs are fun and easy to learn. Take a look at the below mentioned tips and tricks to master pictographs.

• Look out for the key: The key tells us the value of the symbol/picture. Do not assume each picture represents one item or one number. 
   
• Use clear and simple symbols: It is important to use symbols that can be understood by anyone. It would be better if you use symbols relevant to the data you are trying to represent.
   
• Half symbols: Look out for half symbols. These are symbols that are only half the image. These symbols represent half of the number. Example, if a picture represents 4, a half symbol represents half the number, which is 2.

We use pictographs to read data and represent information. Take a look at some of the real-life scenarios where pictographs are used:

• Health and fitness: Most fitness tracks and heath applications use pictographs to show the progress of a workout or the calories burned in a day. This helps users to quickly understand their progress without getting too confused
   
• Social media: Pictographs are widely used in social media as marketers and content creators utilize these graphs to illustrate metrics like likes, shares, and comments.
   
• Environmental awareness: Organizations use pictographs to represent recycling or energy usage data. This helps communicate any environmental statistic clearly and in an accessible way.