MathematicsClass 6Data Handling
Tally Marks
Using tally marks to count and tabulate frequencies of different observations in a dataset.
Class 6 · MathematicsCBSE & ICSE SOF IMO
Definition
Tally marks are a quick and convenient way of counting and recording data using vertical and diagonal strokes. Each individual count is represented by a single vertical line, and every fifth count is represented by a slanted line crossing the previous four vertical lines. This grouping in bunches of five makes large numbers very easy to count quickly.
Worked examples
1
Representing the number 7 using tally marks as |||| |.
2
Counting 12 items by grouping them as groups of five like |||| |||| ||.
3
Recording the number of absent students each day in a week using tally marks.
Common mistakes
- • Counting the fifth line in the wrong direction or forgetting to make it a diagonal slash across the first four.
- • Miscounting the total by misinterpreting groups of five, especially when tally marks are crowded.