Pictograms, vertical line charts and time series

Different data needs different charts. Pictograms are quick to read, vertical line charts suit whole-number data, and time series show change over time.

Practise this lesson free (6 questions)

Pictograms

Each symbol stands for a number given in the key. Part symbols show part of that number.
Key: one symbol = 8 people. 312 symbols = 3.5 × 8 = 28 people.

Vertical line charts

For discrete data (whole numbers, like number of siblings), draw a thin vertical line for each value, as tall as its frequency.
Bar charts are for categories (like favourite colour); vertical line charts are for counted numbers.

Time series

A time series graph plots values against time, joined with straight lines.
Look for the trend (going up or down overall) and seasonal patterns that repeat.
The sales rise to a peak in Q3, then fall.
QuarterQ1Q2Q3Q4
Sales120180240150
Worked example

In a pictogram one symbol = 8 people. How many people do 312 symbols show?

  1. 3 × 8 = 24
  2. Half a symbol = 4
  3. Total = 28

Answer: 28 people

Key idea

Read the key for pictograms. Use vertical line charts for discrete numbers and line graphs for time series. Describe the trend and any repeating pattern.

Quick check

Try two quick questions

See if it has sunk in. Answers are marked straight away.

Extra practice

2 more questions

Try each one, then tap to check.

  1. One symbol = 12 books. How many books do 412 symbols represent?

    Show the answer

    Answer: 54

    4.5 × 12 = 54.

  2. One symbol = 6 people. How many symbols show 21 people?

    Show the answer

    Answer: 3.5

    21 ÷ 6 = 3.5 symbols.

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Sources and references

Checked by the GCSE-ready editorial team, 17 October 2026. Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.

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