Tally Marks
Tally marks are a quick way to count and record data. We draw single lines for 1, 2, 3, and 4, then draw a diagonal line across the group of 4 to show 5.
What You Need to Know
Tally marks are a quick way to count and record data. We draw single lines for 1, 2, 3, and 4, then draw a diagonal line across the group of 4 to show 5.
Key Concept Diagram
Tally marks: I = 1, II = 2, III = 3, IIII = 4, IIII I (with cross) = 5
We group tallies in 5s to make counting easier
Tally marks are used to keep score and collect data
After collecting tallies, we count in groups of 5 plus any extras
Key Vocabulary
tally
A mark used to record and count: each I = 1 item
group of five
Four tally lines with a diagonal cross line through them (= 5)
count
To find the total number of items by going through them one by one
record
To write down information so we can remember and use it
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
How many does IIII I represent?
Question 2
How many does IIII I IIII represent?
Question 3
A student counts 12 birds. Which tally correctly shows 12?
Question 4
Why do we group tally marks in 5s?
Question 5
There are IIII I IIII I IIII I marks for "sunny days". How many sunny days were there?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Tally marks: I = 1, II = 2, III = 3, IIII = 4, IIII I (with cross) = 5
- ●We group tallies in 5s to make counting easier
- ●Tally marks are used to keep score and collect data
- ●After collecting tallies, we count in groups of 5 plus any extras