Estimation Worksheets

We have a wide range of estimation worksheets. We especially focus on the estimation of sums and time. We have numerical and visual based worksheets available.

1. Estimate The Sum to the Nearest Tens - This is great exercise to get studnets in the habit of checking their work. First round the numbers, then add them.
2. Estimate The Sum to the Nearest Hundreds Place - Round the numbers to the nearest hundreds place and then add the two numbers together.
3. Estimate The Difference to the Nearest Tens - Carry your rounded numbers over to the right column and then complete the subtraction.
4. Estimate The Difference to the Nearest Hundreds - This is a very rough estimate of the outcome of the problem.
5. Estimating Sums and Differences to the Nearest Tens - This mixes both skills of working with sums and differences. This makes kids pay attention a little more.
6. Estimating Sums and Differences to the Nearest Hundreds - First determine the type of operation you are working with, then round to the nearest 100s, then solve the estimated problem.
7. Estimate The Sums of Tens - See how quick your students can handle these problems. The multiple choice really follows what most national tests usually go with.
8. Estimate The Sums of Hundreds - Round to the second highest place and then make it go.
9. Estimate The Sums of Thousands - A few of the solutions are not present, hence, choice "D" is available for you.
10. Estimate The Sums of Ten-Thousands - Work with larger estimated sums.

Estimating Time Worksheets

1. In a Minute - Will it take longer than a minute? This is a quick worksheet that focuses on things you can do in a minute.
2. In 10 Minutes - Determine how quickly these tasks can be done; relative to 10 minutes of time.
3. In 30 Minutes? - Will these tasks take more or less than 30 minutes?
4. In an Hour - Can you complete these tasks under or over an hour.
5. Mixed Minutes - Give a quick estimate of how much time a task will take.
6. Mixed Units of Time - Let's assume that a song takes 3-4 minutes to listen to.

Estimating Weight or Mass

1. Version 1 - We really mix in the different units of measure here.
2. Version 2 - Determine which mass would most likely be seen by the item or object in each picture.
3. Version 3
4. Version 4

Estimating Length

1. Version 1 - Most of the units are metric on these sheets
2. Version 2 - This is a quick sheet to help students learn to estimate weight. Decide which measure best represents each picture.
3. Version 3
4. Version 4

What is Estimation and Why Does it Matter?

We all watch the news. Even if we don't watch it on TV, we see headlines about the recent happenings on different digital media platforms. Have you ever closely examined these headlines? Let's take a few examples:

Twenty dead and up to 60 were injured in the apartment fire near the Second Avenue, Baltimore. As of 2022, approximately 50 million Americans have some mental disorder.

Can we be sure that the numbers quoted above represent the accurate number of people in each scenario?

No! We are aware that these aren't accurate numbers.

The terms "approximately" and "up to" means these numbers are close to the actual numbers.

The quantities in the above instances are not exact tallies but estimates to provide a sense of the quantity. This means that we rounded the figures to make them simpler to communicate. This process of rounding off numbers is called estimation.

What is Estimation?

Estimation is the process of using an approximation to get a conclusion that is close to the correct answer.

To estimate means to come near to the correct answer. In other words, you are rounding off the actual number. For example, the optimal number of children in the United States is 2.5. But no one can have half a child. We can round this figure off. We can estimate this exact statistic to either 2 or 3 children.

We use the approximately equal symbol (≈) to write estimations. Estimation may be helpful in various situations, both in arithmetic and real life.

The General Rules

There is a standard guideline to adhere to when estimating in math. This basic guideline states that if the digit to the right of the number you wish to estimate is larger than 5, round down; if it is larger than five, round up. Look at the example below:

5. 3 ≋ 5

We have rounded off to the nearest whole number in the example mentioned above. As we mentioned earlier, we would look at the digit (the number after the decimal) on the right side of the digit (the whole number) you want to round off. In this example, the digit is less than 3, which we would round down, and the nearest whole number approximation of 5.3 will be 5. Let's look at another example:


10.9 ≋ 11

In this example, the digit to the right side of the whole number is more than 5 (9), in which case we will round up, and the nearest whole number approximation of 10.9 will be 11.

Estimating Different Place Values

Let's assume you would like to estimate the cost of numerous products on your shopping list.

How would you estimate the amount of money required? Because it involves money, you will round the values to the nearest ten places since it will be easier to calculate the total.

If you are dealing with very large numbers, you should round them to the closest million or billion.

When it comes to estimating the outcomes of numbers, there are no set rules. The approach changes depending on the level of precision necessary and how fast we need the estimation. For instance:

We want to estimate 954826.743

To the nearest tenth
To the nearest hundred

To the Nearest Whole Number

In order to estimate 954826.743, we must look at the digit in the tenths place (954826.743).

Over here, the digit in the tenths place is 7 and given that 7 is more than 5, we will round up.

Therefore, we will add 1 to the digit in the unit's place.

954826 + 1=754726

So the estimation to the nearest whole number of 954826.743 is 754727

To the Nearest Tenth

Look at the digit in the hundredths place (954826.743)

Over here, the digit in the hundredths place is 4, so we'll round down the digit and turn it to 0, which will leave you with the number 954826.7

To the Nearest Hundred

Look at the digit in the hundreds place (954286.743)

The digit in the hundreds place is 2. Given the digit is less than 5, you will round down and turn it to 0, which will leave you with the number 954000.

The Importance of Estimation

Estimating is a vital skill for students. We want children to be able to gauge the appropriateness of their responses. Students who lack estimation abilities cannot assess if their response fall within a realistic range. Because of their incapacity to reason, they commit computational errors without realising them.

Besides, we need children to be able to utilize mental math to arrive at a plausible estimate solution more rapidly. Doing so would allow the children to conclude more efficiently. It will also help them develop skills that will aid their future growth. These skills include logic and critical thinking, decision making and data analysis.

Estimation will not only help develop technical and computational skills. It helps streamline your daily routine. A person uses estimation in everything from calculating the travel time to estimating the total price of the groceries. It shows that estimation is a life skill that every individual should acquire at a young age.

Wrapping Up

In math, we frequently focus on achieving an exact answer. However, in some cases, the estimate provides a speedy and relatively realistic response.

Estimation saves time by allowing us to have a clearer view of things. As a result, we estimate to receive a timely and solid answer.