Numerical Estimation Tests: Practice Questions, Examples & Tips to Improve Your Score

What Is Numerical Estimation?

Numerical estimation is key in many craft and technical jobs where the ability to quickly and accurately estimate material quantities is essential.

Numerical estimation questions usually form only part of a numerical ability test and you can also expect numerical computation questions.

This sample question paper contains 40 questions and has a suggested time limit of 10 minutes. The questions are presented in Letter/A4 format for easy printing and self-marking.

Even though numerical estimation questions appear straightforward, it can take some time to develop the optimum compromise between speed and accuracy.

Before you attempt to answer each question, look at the range of answers available and ask yourself how accurate your estimate needs to be.

For example, is an order of magnitude sufficient or does the answer need to be worked out to the nearest whole number?

If you out of practice with arithmetic, then try re-learning the times tables up to 12 and practice rough and ready multiplication, division and percentage calculations.

Practice can improve your test scores for all types of aptitude tests but numerical estimation is one area where it can really make a difference, so try as many examples as you can.

These sample numerical estimation questions are directly applicable to tests used to select for craft and technical jobs.

However, the ability to make quick estimates is a useful skill to have even if you are sitting a graduate or professional level test as it will enable you to roughly check your answers to data interpretation questions.

Example Numerical Estimation Questions

Q1. Estimate: $198 \times 51$

a) 8,000
b) 9,000
c) 10,000
d) 11,000

The correct answer is: b) 9,000.

Approximate $198 \approx 200$and $51 \approx 50$

$200 \times 50 = 10,000$

Since the first number is slightly less than 200, the product will be slightly less than 10,000, making 9,000 the closest estimate.

Q2. A car travels 248 km in 3.9 hours. Estimate the average speed.

a) ~50 km/h
b) ~60 km/h
c) ~70 km/h
d) ~80 km/h

The correct answer is: c) ~70 km/h.

Approximate 248 → 250, 3.9 → 4

$250 ÷ 4 = 62.5$

Since the actual time is less than 4 hours, the speed will be slightly higher than 62.5, closer to 70.

Q3. Estimate: $\frac{399}{8}$

a) ~40
b) ~45
c) ~50
d) ~55

The correct answer is: b) ~50

Approximate numerator 399 → 400

$400 ÷ 8 = 50$

Q4. A factory produces 487 items each day. Estimate how many items are produced in 29 days.

a) ~10,000
b) ~12,000
c) ~14,000
d) ~16,000

The correct answer is: c) ~14,000

Approximate 487 → 500, 29 → 30

$500 × 30 = 15,000$

Actual will be slightly less → closer to 14,000.

Q5. Estimate: $74^2$

a) ~5,000
b) ~5,500
c) ~6,000
d) ~6,500

The correct answer is: b) ~5,500

Approximate 74 → 75

$75^2 = 5,625$

Closest estimate is ~5,500.

Q6. A book costs £14.95. Roughly how much will 37 books cost?

a) £450
b) £500
c) £550
d) £600

The correct answer is: b) £550

Approximate £14.95 → £15

$15 × 37 ≈ 555$

Closest option ~£550

Q7. Estimate: $\frac{2,990}{49}$

a) ~50
b) ~60
c) ~70
d) ~80

The correct answer is: b) ~60

Approximate numerator 2,990 → 3,000, denominator 49 → 50

$3000 ÷ 50 = 60$

Q8. A train travels 119 km in 1.8 hours. Estimate the speed.

a) ~50 km/h
b) ~60 km/h
c) ~70 km/h
d) ~80 km/h

The correct answer is: b) ~60 km/h

Approximate 119 → 120, 1.8 → 2

$120 ÷ 2 = 60$

Q9. Estimate: $0.48 × 0.21$

a) ~0.05
b) ~0.10
c) ~0.15
d) ~0.20

The correct answer is: b) ~0.10

Approximate 0.48 → 0.5, 0.21 → 0.2

$0.5 × 0.2 = 0.1$

Q10. Estimate: $\frac{1,004}{19}$

a) ~50
b) ~55
c) ~60
d) ~65

The correct answer is: b) ~55

Approximate 1,004 → 1,000, denominator 19 → 20

$1,000 ÷ 20 = 50$

Since the actual denominator is smaller (19), the result will be slightly larger → ~55.

Final Thoughts

Numerical estimation tests may seem simple, but they are designed to check whether you can make fast, reliable approximations without losing accuracy. In the workplace, this reflects the ability to make quick decisions, spot errors, and estimate quantities or costs under pressure.

Success comes from finding the right balance between speed and precision. The key is to round numbers sensibly, identify shortcuts, and avoid wasting time on exact calculations when an approximate answer is sufficient.

With regular practice, you’ll develop the confidence to estimate quickly, check your work intuitively, and keep moving through questions without hesitation. Strong estimation skills not only improve your test score but also help you handle everyday problem-solving in clerical, technical, and professional roles.