What is a pictorial graph?

According to BusinessDirectory.com, pictorial graphs are visual presentations of specific data that use symbols, pictures and icons in the place of common graphs. Ordinary graphs use elements such as points, lines and bars. Pictorial graphs offer comparisons using repetitions or relative sizes of a symbol, picture or icon.

In addition, pictorial graphs are usually found in physics and mathematics textbooks, according to Lock Haven University. In textbooks, they serve a purpose of clearly and simply illustrating mathematical relations. Errors or data points are not shown on these types of graphs. The accuracy relating to data used in physics requires the use of graph paper of a high quality.