Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Mathematics
Course version: 1MA1 · Version from Mar 2026
Interpret and construct tables, charts and diagrams, including frequency…
Full specification wording
Statistics: interpret and construct tables, charts and diagrams, including frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts and pictograms for categorical data, vertical line charts for ungrouped discrete numerical data, tables and line graphs for time series data and know their appropriate use
To organise raw data, construct a frequency table by defining categories and using a tally chart to count items in each.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1MA1 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 7
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
To organise raw data, construct a frequency table by defining categories and using a tally chart to count items in each. For time series data, a table lists values against time points. Different displays suit different data. Bar charts (equal width bars, equal gaps) and pictograms (symbols with a key) show frequencies of categories. Vertical line charts do the same for ungrouped discrete data. Line graphs plot time series data to show trends over time. For a pie chart, the whole circle (360°) is the total. A category's angle is (frequency ÷ total) × 360°. For example, if 7 out of 30 people chose red, the angle is (7/30) × 360° = 84°. Questions require constructing tables, drawing charts accurately, or interpreting them by reading values.
What earns the marks
- A correctly constructed frequency table with accurate tallies and frequencies from raw data.
- Correct calculation of pie chart angles, showing the method (e.g., freq/total × 360).
- Accurately drawn chart with appropriate scales, labels, and keys where needed.
- A correct interpretation that quotes a figure from the display and relates it to the context.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Drawing bars of different widths or with no gaps on a bar chart.
Rounding pie chart angles so the total is not 360°.
Creating overlapping or non-exhaustive class intervals in a grouped frequency table.
Exam tips
- When creating a frequency table from a list, use a tally system to count accurately.
- Always label your axes and give your chart a title. For pictograms and pie charts, include a key.
- Check that your pie chart angles add up to 360° before you start drawing.
Try the lesson
The start of the Statistics: interpret and construct tables, charts and diagrams, including frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts and pictograms for categorical data, vertical line charts for ungrouped discrete numerical data, tables and line graphs for time series data and know their appropriate use lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A pictogram uses one symbol to represent 4 books. A row shows 3 whole symbols. How many books does the row represent?
Listen
To organise raw data, construct a frequency table by defining categories and using a tally chart to count items in each. For time series data, a table lists values against time points. Different displays suit different data. Bar charts (equal width bars, equal gaps) and pictograms (symbols with a key) show frequencies of categories. Vertical line charts do the same for ungrouped discrete data. Line graphs plot time series data to show trends over time. For a pie chart, the whole circle (360°) is the total. A category's angle is (frequency ÷ total) × 360°. For example, if 7 out of 30 people chose red, the angle is (7/30) × 360° = 84°. Questions require constructing tables, drawing charts accurately, or interpreting them by reading values. A strong answer earns marks for these points. A correctly constructed frequency table with accurate tallies and frequencies from raw data. Correct calculation of pie chart angles, showing the method (e.g., freq/total × 360).
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
frequency table
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tally chart
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pie chart
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line graph
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See every definition
- frequency table
- A way to organise raw data by defining categories and using a tally chart to count the items in each.
- tally chart
- Used to count items in each category when constructing a frequency table from raw data.
- pie chart
- A display in which the whole circle of 360° is the total, and a category's angle is (frequency ÷ total) × 360°.
- line graph
- Plots time series data to show trends over time.
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