Tally charts are a method of collecting data quickly. So, let’s look deeper into how to construct a tally chart and what we could use them for.

 

What is a Tally Chart?

A tally chart is a table used for counting and comparing the numbers of different categories in a data set. Tally charts are used to collect data quickly and efficiently since just jotting down lines is a much speedier process than filling in a chart. The layout is designed to assist in collecting data across different categories which is helpful in data collection situations.

The initial data is recorded using 'dashes' or tally marks, organised into groups of five. This makes keeping track of the total number much easier as you can simply count the groups of tally marks in multiples of five. A tally chart is just one method of collecting data. This data can then be used to create more detailed and visual graphs and charts to compare the information that has been collected.

 

Here's a tally chart example to make things a bit clearer. A common example of a tally chart is to count a quantity of any particular topic and document down the findings.

The table above shows the quantity of transport, a typical question that would be used alongside this type of data would be:

Year 3 students were asked what method of transport do they use to get to school each day?

The modes of transport are written in the first column, with the number of students using that type in the second. Now some tables have a frequency column, this is just another way of asking for the total.

 

The tally chart example above also has a 'frequency' column for ease of use, but this isn't always necessary. Usually, when children have finished with their tally charts, they'll go on to represent their data in a chart. Tally charts are a great basic table used to show easy facts that children go on to use when creating more in-depth charts and graphs.

 

What does 'tally' mean in math?

The word 'tally' doesn't necessarily correspond to the dashes or tally marks in a tally chart, it can be used simply to mean the total quantity.

For example, you could say "the chickens laid 4 eggs on Monday and 6 more on Tuesday, bring the total tally up to 10."

Or you might hear a sports commentator say something along the lines of "that goal takes her total tally up to an impressive 5 goals in just 3 games".

You may also hear the word used as a verb, meaning 'to count'. Someone might say, for example, "let me tally up how many potatoes are left in that sack".

 

The simplest way to explain what tally means is to show them that it always refers to the current total number of anything that can be counted.