Tally charts & history
How to make a tally chart
Write clear categories and add a mark to one category every time an item is observed. Source context ↗
Written by Sandeep Bhandari · Sources checked
Set the counting rule
A good chart starts with categories that answer a question. If categories overlap, decide how to handle ambiguous items before the first observation.
Put the rule into practice
A playground chart can have separate rows for swings, slides and climbing frames.
Counting away from your desk? Use the iPhone app for widgets, history and quick actions.
Steps for a reliable tally
- Decide what belongs in each row before collecting data.
- Leave room for bundles of five, then total each row after the observation period.
- After collection, add a total column and compare it with the number of observations.
- Explain any missing or excluded items in a note.
Why this detail matters
A chart for a classroom survey should include an option for responses that do not fit the main categories or a clear exclusion rule. After the collection, check the category totals against the number of people or objects observed. This catches missing rows before the bar chart is drawn.
At the chart
Leave enough space for each category to grow. If one row fills, continue it on a clearly marked second line rather than squeezing marks until bundles overlap. At the end, write the total for each row and the overall number of observations so someone else can audit the chart.
What can go wrong?
Overlapping categories can let the same observation enter two rows.
Common questions
What should one tap mean for how to make a tally chart?
Write clear categories and add a mark to one category every time an item is observed.
What is the most common error in how to make a tally chart?
Overlapping categories can let the same observation enter two rows.
Can I keep a copy of a tally charts & history tally?
For how to make a tally chart, use Export CSV after the last observation. The file records your counter names and current numbers.