Count Tally Marks
Tally marks are a quick way to count. Every 5th mark is drawn diagonally across 4 vertical marks to make a bundle of 5. Count bundles of 5, then add the leftover marks.
Worked examples
How many tally marks are there?
One bundle = 5. Plus 2 extra marks. 5 + 2 = 7.
Answer: 7
How many tally marks are there?
Two bundles = 5 + 5 = 10. Plus 2 extra marks. 10 + 2 = 12.
Answer: 12
How many tally marks are there?
3 bundles = 15. Plus 3 extra. 15 + 3 = 18.
Answer: 18
Tips
- •Count bundles by 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20 — not one by one.
- •After counting bundles, add the loose marks at the end.
- •Don't forget the diagonal mark counts as part of the bundle of 5.
Key words
tally markbundlefivecountdiagonal