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What is Data Handling? (Class 3 Introduction)
Data handling is an important chapter in Class 3 Maths. It teaches students how to collect information, organise it neatly, and read it to answer questions. This skill is used in everyday life — for example, finding out which fruit most students prefer, or how many books were read in a week.
📌 The 4 Steps of Data Handling (NCERT Class 3)
- Collect data — Ask questions or observe (e.g. a class survey on favourite colours)
- Organise data — Sort and record using tally marks or a table
- Represent data — Show it as a pictograph or bar graph
- Interpret data — Read the chart to answer questions (most popular, least popular, difference, total)
1
Collect
Survey or observe to gather raw information
2
Organise
Use tally marks or a table to sort data
3
Represent
Draw a pictograph or bar graph
4
Interpret
Read the chart and answer questions
In the NCERT Class 3 Mathematics textbook, data handling appears as a core chapter. Students are expected to understand and draw tally marks, pictographs, and simple bar graphs. The worksheets below cover every concept in this chapter, with questions and full answers.
A
Section A: Tally Marks Worksheet for Class 3
With Answers📖 What are Tally Marks?
Tally marks are simple lines used to count objects one by one. After every 4 lines, the 5th is drawn diagonally across all four — making groups of 5 that are easy to count. They are used to record data during a survey.
|
= 1
||
= 2
|||
= 3
||||
= 4
𝄃
= 5
𝄃|
= 6
𝄃𝄃
= 10
Question 1
A survey is conducted to find students' favourite sports. Represent the following data using tally marks:
| Sport | Votes | Tally Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 7 | |
| Basketball | 12 | |
| Cricket | 9 | |
| Tennis | 4 |
Show Answer
| Sport | Votes | Tally Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 7 | 𝄃|| |
| Basketball | 12 | 𝄃𝄃|| |
| Cricket | 9 | 𝄃|||| |
| Tennis | 4 | |||| |
Question 2
The number of cars passing a signal in one hour is recorded below. Represent the data using tally marks:
| Car Colour | Count | Tally Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Red Cars | 15 | |
| Blue Cars | 10 | |
| Black Cars | 20 | |
| White Cars | 18 |
Show Answer
| Car Colour | Count | Tally Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Red Cars | 15 | 𝄃𝄃𝄃 |
| Blue Cars | 10 | 𝄃𝄃 |
| Black Cars | 20 | 𝄃𝄃𝄃𝄃 |
| White Cars | 18 | 𝄃𝄃𝄃||| |
Question 3
A teacher records the number of books read by students. Make a tally chart to represent the data:
| Books Read | Students | Tally Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 book | 6 | |
| 2 books | 8 | |
| 3 books | 10 | |
| 4 books | 5 |
Show Answer
| Books Read | Students | Tally Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 book | 6 | 𝄃| |
| 2 books | 8 | 𝄃||| |
| 3 books | 10 | 𝄃𝄃 |
| 4 books | 5 | 𝄃 |
Total students = 6 + 8 + 10 + 5 = 29 students
Question 4 — Tally Marks MCQ
Look at the tally mark: 𝄃𝄃||| What number does this represent?
(a) 12 (b) 13 (c) 14 (d) 15
Show Answer
✅ Answer: (b) 13 — Two groups of 5 (= 10) plus 3 extra = 13
Question 5 — Word Problem
In a class, students voted for their favourite season. Summer got 8 votes, Monsoon got 13 votes, Winter got 6 votes, and Spring got 3 votes.
(a) Represent this data using tally marks.
(b) Which season got the most votes?
(c) How many more votes did Monsoon get than Winter?
(a) Represent this data using tally marks.
(b) Which season got the most votes?
(c) How many more votes did Monsoon get than Winter?
Show Answer
| Season | Votes | Tally Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 8 | 𝄃||| |
| Monsoon | 13 | 𝄃𝄃||| |
| Winter | 6 | 𝄃| |
| Spring | 3 | ||| |
(b) Monsoon got the most votes (13).
(c) Monsoon – Winter = 13 – 6 = 7 more votes
B
Section B: Pictograph Worksheet for Class 3
With Answers📖 How to Read a Pictograph — Step by Step
- Read the title — Understand what the pictograph is about
- Check the key — Find out what one picture/symbol equals
- Count the symbols for each row or column
- Multiply — (number of symbols) × (key value) = total
- Answer questions — compare rows, find most/least, find difference
Favourite Fruits of Students in Class 3
🧒 = 1 student
Apple🧒🧒🧒🧒🧒
Mango🧒🧒🧒🧒
Banana🧒🧒🧒🧒🧒🧒
Grapes🧒🧒🧒
Questions on Pictograph 1
1. Which fruit is the most liked?
2. How many students like Mangoes?
3. Which fruit is liked by 3 students?
4. How many more students like Bananas than Apples?
2. How many students like Mangoes?
3. Which fruit is liked by 3 students?
4. How many more students like Bananas than Apples?
Show Answers
1. Banana (6 students — most symbols)
2. 4 students like Mangoes
3. Grapes (3 symbols = 3 students)
4. Bananas = 6, Apples = 5 → 6 – 5 = 1 more student
2. 4 students like Mangoes
3. Grapes (3 symbols = 3 students)
4. Bananas = 6, Apples = 5 → 6 – 5 = 1 more student
Number of Bicycles Sold in a Week
🚲 = 2 bicycles
Monday🚲🚲
Tuesday🚲🚲🚲
Wednesday🚲🚲🚲🚲
Thursday🚲
Friday🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Questions on Pictograph 2 — Key: 🚲 = 2 bicycles
1. On which day were maximum bicycles sold?
2. On which day were minimum bicycles sold?
3. How many bicycles were sold on Wednesday?
4. How many total bicycles were sold in the whole week?
2. On which day were minimum bicycles sold?
3. How many bicycles were sold on Wednesday?
4. How many total bicycles were sold in the whole week?
Show Answers
Remember: each 🚲 = 2 bicycles, so multiply symbols × 2
| Day | Symbols | Bicycles Sold |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 2 | 4 |
| Tuesday | 3 | 6 |
| Wednesday | 4 | 8 |
| Thursday | 1 | 2 |
| Friday | 5 | 10 |
1. Maximum: Friday (10 bicycles)
2. Minimum: Thursday (2 bicycles)
3. Wednesday: 8 bicycles
4. Total: 4+6+8+2+10 = 30 bicycles
C
Section C: Bar Graph Worksheet for Class 3
New Section📖 What is a Bar Graph?
A bar graph uses rectangular bars to show data. The height (or length) of each bar represents the value for that item. Bar graphs make it very easy to compare different categories at a glance. They can be drawn vertically (up) or horizontally (sideways).
📐 How to Read a Bar Graph
- Read the title of the graph
- Look at the Y-axis (vertical) — it shows the scale/numbers
- Look at the X-axis (horizontal) — it shows the categories
- Find the top of each bar and read the value on the Y-axis
- Compare bars to find the highest, lowest, and difference
Questions on Bar Graph 1
1. Which colour is the most popular?
2. How many students chose Green?
3. Which colour is the least popular?
4. How many more students chose Blue than Red?
5. How many students were surveyed in total?
2. How many students chose Green?
3. Which colour is the least popular?
4. How many more students chose Blue than Red?
5. How many students were surveyed in total?
Show Answers
1. Blue (14 students)
2. 11 students chose Green
3. Yellow (6 students)
4. Blue – Red = 14 – 9 = 5 more students
5. Total = 14 + 9 + 11 + 6 + 8 = 48 students
2. 11 students chose Green
3. Yellow (6 students)
4. Blue – Red = 14 – 9 = 5 more students
5. Total = 14 + 9 + 11 + 6 + 8 = 48 students
Question — Draw a Bar Graph
The table below shows the number of animals in a farm. Draw a bar graph to show this data.
Use the space below to draw your bar graph. Label the X-axis with animals and Y-axis with numbers from 0 to 25 (count by 5s).
| Animal | Count |
|---|---|
| Cows | 8 |
| Goats | 12 |
| Hens | 20 |
| Pigs | 5 |
Use the space below to draw your bar graph. Label the X-axis with animals and Y-axis with numbers from 0 to 25 (count by 5s).
Show Sample Answer
Hens are the most in number (20). Pigs are the least (5). The tallest bar is for Hens.
D
Section D: Word Problems on Data Handling for Class 3
New SectionThese word problems combine your skills in reading tally marks, pictographs, and bar graphs. Read each question carefully and use the data to find your answer.
Word Problem 1
A class of 30 students was asked: "What is your favourite subject?" Maths got 𝄃𝄃 votes, Science got 𝄃||| votes, English got 𝄃𝄃| votes, and Art got |||| votes.
(a) Which subject got the most votes?
(b) How many students chose Science?
(c) How many more students chose Maths than Art?
(a) Which subject got the most votes?
(b) How many students chose Science?
(c) How many more students chose Maths than Art?
Show Answer
Tally counts: Maths = 10, Science = 8, English = 11, Art = 4
(a) English got the most votes (11)
(b) 8 students chose Science
(c) Maths – Art = 10 – 4 = 6 more students
(a) English got the most votes (11)
(b) 8 students chose Science
(c) Maths – Art = 10 – 4 = 6 more students
Word Problem 2
A pictograph shows ice cream sold at a shop. Key: 🍦 = 5 ice creams.
Monday: 🍦🍦🍦, Tuesday: 🍦🍦🍦🍦, Wednesday: 🍦🍦, Thursday: 🍦🍦🍦🍦🍦, Friday: 🍦🍦🍦🍦
(a) How many ice creams were sold on Thursday?
(b) On which day were the fewest ice creams sold?
(c) How many total ice creams were sold from Monday to Friday?
Monday: 🍦🍦🍦, Tuesday: 🍦🍦🍦🍦, Wednesday: 🍦🍦, Thursday: 🍦🍦🍦🍦🍦, Friday: 🍦🍦🍦🍦
(a) How many ice creams were sold on Thursday?
(b) On which day were the fewest ice creams sold?
(c) How many total ice creams were sold from Monday to Friday?
Show Answer
Each 🍦 = 5 ice creams
Mon = 15, Tue = 20, Wed = 10, Thu = 25, Fri = 20
(a) Thursday: 25 ice creams
(b) Fewest on Wednesday (10 ice creams)
(c) Total = 15+20+10+25+20 = 90 ice creams
Mon = 15, Tue = 20, Wed = 10, Thu = 25, Fri = 20
(a) Thursday: 25 ice creams
(b) Fewest on Wednesday (10 ice creams)
(c) Total = 15+20+10+25+20 = 90 ice creams
Word Problem 3
A bar graph shows the number of books in a library shelf. Fiction = 40, Non-fiction = 25, Comics = 15, Science = 30, History = 20.
(a) Which type has the most books?
(b) Which type has the fewest books?
(c) How many more Fiction books are there than History books?
(d) How many books are there in total?
(a) Which type has the most books?
(b) Which type has the fewest books?
(c) How many more Fiction books are there than History books?
(d) How many books are there in total?
Show Answer
(a) Fiction has the most books (40)
(b) Comics has the fewest (15)
(c) Fiction – History = 40 – 20 = 20 more books
(d) Total = 40+25+15+30+20 = 130 books
(b) Comics has the fewest (15)
(c) Fiction – History = 40 – 20 = 20 more books
(d) Total = 40+25+15+30+20 = 130 books
Word Problem 4
Mrs Sharma's Class 3 did a survey on how students come to school. Walking: 8 students, Bus: 15 students, Car: 7 students, Bicycle: 5 students.
(a) Represent the data using tally marks.
(b) Which is the most common way to come to school?
(c) How many students were surveyed in total?
(a) Represent the data using tally marks.
(b) Which is the most common way to come to school?
(c) How many students were surveyed in total?
Show Answer
| Transport | Students | Tally Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | 8 | 𝄃||| |
| Bus | 15 | 𝄃𝄃𝄃 |
| Car | 7 | 𝄃|| |
| Bicycle | 5 | 𝄃 |
(b) Bus is the most common (15 students)
(c) Total = 8+15+7+5 = 35 students
E
Section E: MCQ Questions on Data Handling for Class 3
10 QuestionsChoose the correct answer for each question.
1. Which of the following is used to record data during a survey?
(a) Bar graph
(b) Tally marks
(c) Pictograph
(d) Line graph
2. In a pictograph, 🌸 = 5 flowers. If a row has 4 symbols, how many flowers does it show?
(a) 4
(b) 15
(c) 20
(d) 25
3. The tally mark 𝄃𝄃𝄃| represents which number?
(a) 14
(b) 16
(c) 15
(d) 17
4. In a bar graph, the height of the bar shows the ___ of that category.
(a) Colour
(b) Name
(c) Value
(d) Width
5. A pictograph shows: Cats 🐱🐱🐱, Dogs 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶, Birds 🐦🐦. If each symbol = 3 animals, which animal has the most?
(a) Cats
(b) Dogs
(c) Birds
(d) All equal
6. What does the "key" in a pictograph tell us?
(a) The title of the graph
(b) What each symbol represents
(c) The total of all data
(d) The name of the category
7. In a tally chart, how many marks make one group?
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 10
(d) 2
8. A bar graph shows: Monday = 6, Tuesday = 9, Wednesday = 4, Thursday = 11, Friday = 7. Which day has the tallest bar?
(a) Tuesday
(b) Wednesday
(c) Thursday
(d) Friday
9. The first step in data handling is:
(a) Collecting data
(b) Drawing a graph
(c) Answering questions
(d) Making tally marks
10. In a pictograph: Apples 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎, Oranges 🍊🍊🍊🍊. Key: each fruit = 2. How many more apples than oranges?
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4
📋 MCQ Answer Key
- b) Tally marks
- c) 20
- b) 16
- c) Value
- b) Dogs
- b) What each symbol represents
- b) 5
- c) Thursday
- a) Collecting data
- b) 2
F
Section F: HOTS Questions on Data Handling for Class 3
Think Deeply!🧠 What are HOTS Questions?
HOTS stands for Higher Order Thinking Skills. These questions don't just test reading of charts — they ask you to analyse, compare, predict, and create. Perfect for students who want to go beyond the textbook.
HOTS Question 1 — Analyse
A class survey shows: 20 students prefer indoor games, 15 prefer outdoor games. If 5 more students join and all of them prefer outdoor games, will indoor or outdoor games be more popular now? Show your working.
Show Answer
New outdoor total = 15 + 5 = 20
Indoor = 20, Outdoor = 20
✅ Both would be equally popular! This is called a tie.
Indoor = 20, Outdoor = 20
✅ Both would be equally popular! This is called a tie.
HOTS Question 2 — Predict
A pictograph shows mangoes sold each day: Mon=4, Tue=6, Wed=4, Thu=6, Fri=4. Ria says: "The pattern shows we will sell 6 mangoes on Saturday." Do you agree? Explain why or why not.
Show Answer
Pattern: Mon=4, Tue=6, Wed=4, Thu=6, Fri=4 → alternates 4, 6, 4, 6, 4…
Saturday would follow the pattern → 6 mangoes
✅ Yes, Ria is correct. The pattern alternates between 4 and 6, so Saturday (after Friday=4) = 6 mangoes.
Saturday would follow the pattern → 6 mangoes
✅ Yes, Ria is correct. The pattern alternates between 4 and 6, so Saturday (after Friday=4) = 6 mangoes.
HOTS Question 3 — Create Your Own
Conduct a survey in your class. Ask 10 classmates: "What is your favourite animal?" Record the data using tally marks, then represent it as a pictograph. Write 3 questions about your pictograph and give answers.
Show Sample Answer
Sample data: Dog=4, Cat=3, Bird=2, Rabbit=1
Sample questions:
Q1. Which animal is most popular? → Dog (4 votes)
Q2. How many students chose Cat or Bird? → 3+2 = 5 students
Q3. How many fewer Rabbit votes than Dog votes? → 4–1 = 3 fewer votes
Sample questions:
Q1. Which animal is most popular? → Dog (4 votes)
Q2. How many students chose Cat or Bird? → 3+2 = 5 students
Q3. How many fewer Rabbit votes than Dog votes? → 4–1 = 3 fewer votes
HOTS Question 4 — Evaluate
Two students draw pictographs for the same data (10 apples, 20 oranges, 15 bananas). Aman uses 🍎 = 5 fruits. Priya uses 🍎 = 2 fruits. Who has more symbols in their pictograph? Why might Priya's choice make the graph harder to draw?
Show Answer
Aman's symbols: Apples=2, Oranges=4, Bananas=3 → 9 total symbols
Priya's symbols: Apples=5, Oranges=10, Bananas=7.5 → Problem! 15÷2 = 7.5 → half symbol needed
✅ Priya's graph is harder because her key (= 2) doesn't divide evenly into 15. Aman's key (= 5) works perfectly for all values. Always choose a key that divides evenly into all values.
Priya's symbols: Apples=5, Oranges=10, Bananas=7.5 → Problem! 15÷2 = 7.5 → half symbol needed
✅ Priya's graph is harder because her key (= 2) doesn't divide evenly into 15. Aman's key (= 5) works perfectly for all values. Always choose a key that divides evenly into all values.
HOTS Question 5 — Real Life
Your school library wants to know which type of books students prefer. How would you collect this data? What would your tally chart look like? How would you show it as a bar graph? What would be the most useful information the bar graph shows to the librarian?
Show Sample Answer
Step 1 — Collect: Ask students "What type of books do you like?" Options: Story Books, Science, Comics, Sports, Arts
Step 2 — Tally chart: Record each answer with a tally mark next to the correct category
Step 3 — Bar graph: X-axis = book types, Y-axis = number of students, draw bars for each category
Most useful info for librarian: The tallest bar shows which books to buy more of. The shortest bar shows which type is least needed.
Step 2 — Tally chart: Record each answer with a tally mark next to the correct category
Step 3 — Bar graph: X-axis = book types, Y-axis = number of students, draw bars for each category
Most useful info for librarian: The tallest bar shows which books to buy more of. The shortest bar shows which type is least needed.
📥
Free PDF Worksheets — Download & Print
📄 All worksheets are free to download and print
SuperiorScholar Education Team
These worksheets are created by the SuperiorScholar curriculum team, carefully aligned with the NCERT Class 3 Mathematics syllabus. All content is reviewed for accuracy and is suitable for CBSE, ICSE, and State Board students across India.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Data Handling Class 3
What is data handling in Class 3 maths?
Data handling in Class 3 maths means collecting information, organising it into tables or charts, and reading it to answer questions. Common methods include tally marks, pictographs, and bar graphs. It is part of the NCERT Class 3 Mathematics syllabus.
What are tally marks in data handling?
Tally marks are small lines used to count objects. Every 5th count is shown by drawing a diagonal line through 4 vertical lines (𝄃). They make it easy to count large numbers quickly and organise data into a tally chart.
What is a pictograph for Class 3?
A pictograph uses pictures or symbols to represent data. Each symbol stands for a fixed number of items — called the key. For example, one apple picture = 2 students. Class 3 students learn to read and draw simple pictographs.
What is the key in a pictograph?
The key in a pictograph tells you what each picture or symbol represents. For example, if the key says 🚲 = 2 bicycles, then 3 bicycle pictures means 6 bicycles total. Always read the key before interpreting a pictograph.
What is the difference between a tally chart and a bar graph?
A tally chart uses tally marks to count data as it is collected. A bar graph represents the same data visually using bars of different heights — making it easier to compare values at a glance. Both are taught in Class 3 data handling.
Are these worksheets aligned with NCERT Class 3 syllabus?
Yes. These worksheets cover all data handling topics included in the NCERT Class 3 Mathematics textbook — tally marks, pictographs, and data organisation — and are suitable for CBSE, ICSE, and state board students.
What topics are covered in data handling for Class 3?
Class 3 data handling covers: (1) collecting data through surveys, (2) recording data using tally marks, (3) representing data in pictographs and bar graphs, and (4) reading and interpreting charts to answer questions.
How many tally marks make a group of 5?
Four vertical lines (||||) followed by a diagonal line (𝄃) across them = a group of 5 tally marks. This makes it easy to count totals in multiples of 5.
What are HOTS questions in data handling?
HOTS stands for Higher Order Thinking Skills. In data handling, HOTS questions go beyond simple reading of charts — they ask students to analyse, compare, predict, and design their own data collection activities.
Are the worksheets free to print?
Yes. All data handling worksheets on SuperiorScholar are completely free to download and print for personal and classroom use.
Can Class 3 students do these worksheets independently?
Yes, these worksheets are designed for self-practice with clear instructions and worked answers. The step-by-step questions guide Class 3 students through tally marks, pictograph reading, and simple data analysis independently.
How is a bar graph different from a pictograph?
A pictograph uses pictures/symbols to represent data, and you count the symbols to find values. A bar graph uses rectangular bars of different heights — the height directly shows the number, so no counting of symbols is needed. Bar graphs are more accurate for larger numbers.
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