0%
Online Tally Counter
Keep several tallies at once. Each counter shows its number, its share of the total and classic tally marks in groups of five. Tap a counter or press 1 to 9 to add to it.
0%
Options
0%
Options
Saved in this browser as you count. Nothing is uploaded.
Tally 1: 0
What is a tally counter?
A tally counter keeps a running count of things as they happen. The classic version is a metal clicker you press with your thumb, or a sheet of paper with tally marks: four lines and a fifth line across them for every five. This online tally counter does both. It starts with three named tallies, draws the tally marks for each one as you count, and shows the total and each tally’s percentage of it. It suits anything with categories: votes for different options, types of vehicle passing, species in a bird survey, or right and wrong answers.
How to use the online tally counter
- Rename the three tallies to what you are counting, for example "Cars", "Vans" and "Bikes". Select Add counter if you need more.
- Tap a tally’s plus button or its number to add one. On a keyboard, press 1, 2 or 3 to add to that tally without touching the mouse.
- Press Shift with the number, or the tally’s minus button, to take one away.
- Watch the total and the percentages update as you go. The tally marks show up to 120 per counter, and the number keeps counting beyond that.
- Select Save CSV for the totals and a time-stamped list of every mark, or Copy to paste the results into a message or report.
Why use this tally counter
- Tally marks you can read at a glanceMarks are drawn in groups of five, the way you would on paper, next to the exact number.
- Counting by categorySeveral named tallies with a live total and percentages, instead of one number.
- Hands-free with keys 1 to 9Count each category with one key and keep your eyes on what you are counting.
- Your count is savedEvery change is saved in this browser as you go. Close the tab, reload or come back tomorrow and the numbers are still there. Nothing is sent to a server.
- Mistakes are easy to fixUndo steps back through your last 100 changes, including a reset, so a stray tap never costs you the count.
Common uses for a tally counter
- Votes and polls. Count a show of hands or paper ballots for each option.
- Traffic and footfall surveys. Vehicles by type, or people by entrance.
- Wildlife and bird counts. One tally per species during a survey walk.
- Classroom activities. Dice totals, coin flips, or right and wrong answers.
- Quality checks. Passed, failed and reworked items on a production line.
- Sports stats. Shots, passes, fouls or aces per player.
How to read and add up tally marks
Tally marks group counts in fives so you can add them up quickly. Draw a line for each of the first four, then a line across them for the fifth. Count the full groups, multiply by five and add the loose lines.
| Count | Groups of five | Loose marks | How to add it up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1 | 2 | 5 + 2 |
| 13 | 2 | 3 | 10 + 3 |
| 25 | 5 | 0 | 5 × 5 |
| 48 | 9 | 3 | 45 + 3 |
Need just one big number instead? The click counter opens with a single large counter. For game points with players, use the score keeper.
Example: a 15-minute traffic count
Name the tallies "Cars", "Vans", "Trucks" and add a fourth for "Bikes". Stand where you can see the road and press 1, 2, 3 or 4 as each vehicle passes. After 15 minutes the totals read 64, 11, 5 and 9: 89 vehicles, with cars at 71.9%. Save the CSV and every mark has its time, so you can split the count into five-minute blocks later.
What to expect from the result
The count is kept in this browser on this device. It does not sync between phones or computers, and clearing site data removes it, so save a CSV for anything you need to keep. Counts go up to one billion. The page counts each tap or key press it receives, so a bouncing mouse button or a worn key can add an extra count; undo removes it.
Tally counter questions
How do tally marks work?
Each mark is one count. You draw four vertical lines, then a fifth line across them to close a group of five. Groups of five are quick to add up: three full groups and two marks make 17. The counter draws the marks for you as the number changes.
How many tallies can I keep at once?
Up to 24. Keys 1 to 9 add to the first nine tallies; for the rest, tap or click their buttons. Each tally can have its own name, step and goal.
Which keyboard shortcuts can I use?
Space, Up arrow or + adds one. Down arrow or - takes one away. Keys 1 to 9 add to that counter, and Shift with the number subtracts. Left and Right arrows pick a counter, and Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on a Mac) undoes the last change. Holding a key down counts once, not over and over.
Can I see percentages for each tally?
Yes. Each tally shows its share of the total, and the total of all tallies is shown above them. Copy and Save CSV include the numbers for each tally.
Is my count stored online?
No. The counter runs in your browser and saves to this browser’s local storage only. There is no account and no upload. Clearing your site data or using a private window removes the saved count, so save a CSV if you need a permanent record.
More counters and quick tests
Find out how fast you can press a key with the spacebar counter, or how fast you click with the CPS test. For game night, roll with the dice roller and settle who goes first with a coin flip. To time sessions while you count, try the Pomodoro timer.