Last updated on July 24th, 2025
For easy calculation, estimation in math is used. This method is useful in everyday situations, such as a student’s score based on the number of correct answers. In this article, we will learn the concept of estimation in math, along with its rules and significance.
Estimation in math refers to a rough calculation or an approximate value that helps us determine the actual value more quickly. When estimating, we round numbers to their closest place values. The estimated value is an assumed number that is fairly close to the actual value. Estimation is often used in our daily lives, sometimes without us even realizing it. For example, Alex has about 30 friends at school.
Now that we know what estimation is in math, let’s look at some easy ways to estimate numbers.
Estimating place values means rounding numbers to the nearest ten, hundred, thousand, or any other place value as required. Let’s look at some examples:
Round 498.73 to various place values.
Round it to the nearest whole number
Round to the nearest ten
Round to the nearest hundred
Round to the nearest tenth
Compatible numbers, as the term suggests, are easy-to-work-with numbers that can replace the actual numbers to make calculations easier. The compatible numbers should not be random but should be the nearest to the actual number. They are mainly used to make calculations like addition, subtraction, or division easier.
For example, 19 × 58 can be estimated as 20 × 60, so we say 19 × 58 is about 1200. They're chosen because they're nearby, simple numbers that make the multiplication faster and more manageable in your head.
To calculate an estimate, we round the number to the nearest place value, which makes it convenient to use instead of the actual number. Here are a few important rules for estimation:
1. First, decide which place value you need to round off.
2. Then, check the number to the right of that place value.
Estimation in math is an essential concept that helps students with problem-solving. Many practical uses of estimation fascinate us. We will now look at its different real-life applications:
We now understand how important it is to learn estimation. However, students often make errors when solving problems related to estimation. Let’s now go through a few common errors and tips to avoid them:
Estimate 398 × 62 using compatible numbers.
The estimated value is 24,000.
Let’s start by choosing the compatible numbers:
Instead of 398, we use 400… (since it is the nearest hundred)
Similarly, we will round 62 down to 60
Now, multiply the compatible numbers:
400 × 60 = 24000
Therefore, the estimated value is 24,000.
Antony drives 298 miles to visit his mother at an average speed of 82 mph. Estimate how long the journey will take approximately.
The estimated travel time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
We first round the values to the nearest tens:
298 miles → 300 miles
82 mph → 80 mph
Now, we divide the estimated values:
300 ÷ 80 = 3.75 hours
So, the estimated travel time could be about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Estimate 358 ÷ 5 by rounding to the nearest ten.
The estimated value is 72.
We first round 358 to the nearest tens:
358 can be rounded to 360 (since 8 is greater than 5, we round up).
Now, divide the rounded number by 5
360 ÷ 5 = 72
So, after rounding 358 to 360, we divide it by 5 to get an estimated result of 72.
Estimate 913 – 376 by rounding to the nearest tens.
The estimated difference is 530.
We first round the numbers to their nearest tens:
913 → 910
376 → 380
Now, we will subtract the estimated values:
910 – 380 = 530
So, the estimated difference is 530.
A school has 18 classrooms, with approximately 31 students in each class. Estimate the total number of students in the school.
The estimated total is 600.
We round the numbers to compatible values:
18 classrooms → 20 classrooms
31 students per classroom → 30 students per classroom
So, the estimated total is 20 × 30 = 600.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.