where i come from a tally, as i think you mean is a way of counting a number of objects or instances.

• for each instance you put a mark (like a number 1) on a sheet or board
• after putting four marks beside each other, the fifth mark goes through the other four (like crossing them out)
• you then start another potential set of five like the last
• in this way you add up the sets of five as an easy way of adding all the instances together
• it is a system, that could  be used when gathering statistics

is this what you mean?

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Well, this is what the English Dictionary I have says about the word "tally" - a score, a reckoning, a stick in which notches are cut as a means of keeping account.
Often in squash we say tally up the scores meaning add up the points to the game or match, and particudlarly applicable in a teams event where there is an aggregate number of points gained over several matches.

Hope that helps.

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