> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.edzo.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tally Marks Block

> Learn how to use Tally Marks blocks to display quantity representations using tally marks.

The **Tally Marks** block displays a quantity represented in tally marks. Use it to demonstrate counting, data recording, and the tally mark grouping system.

This is a display block for teaching and demonstration since it shows a fixed number of tally marks.

<Info>
  For assessable tally mark activities where learners create or count tallies, use the [Tally Marks Question](/creating/resources/question-blocks/tally-marks-question) block instead.
</Info>

## When to use Tally Marks blocks

Tally Marks blocks work well for:

* Demonstrating the tally mark system (groups of five)
* Showing quantities in data recording contexts
* Illustrating counting by fives
* Providing visual examples alongside explanations
* Teaching survey and data collection concepts

## Settings

### Display settings

<ParamField path="Initial tally marks" default="5" type="number">
  The number of tally marks to display (0–100).
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Tally mark size" default="md" type="select">
  The visual size of the tally marks:

  * **Small**: Compact tally marks
  * **Medium**: Standard size
  * **Large**: Larger tally marks for visibility
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Show amount" default="true" type="switch">
  When enabled, displays the numeric count alongside the tally marks.
</ParamField>

## Tips for teachers and parents

**Best practices:**

* Use tally marks to reinforce skip counting by fives
* Show the numeric amount alongside tallies to connect representations
* Use larger sizes for younger learners or whole-class display
* Demonstrate how every fifth mark crosses through the previous four
* Pair with data collection activities (surveys, observations)
* Progress to Tally Marks Question blocks once learners understand the system

## Related blocks

* [Tally Marks Question](/creating/resources/question-blocks/tally-marks-question). Assessable version where learners create tally marks