Speed calculation · lesson 22 of 25 · free

Percent estimates — Speed Calculation

In a hurry you rarely need the exact percent — you need a close one. Round the amount to a round hundred, round an awkward percent to a friendly one, and build it from blocks you can find instantly: 10% (÷ 10), 5% (half of that) and 1% (÷ 100).

The fast method

Round and build — “round to friendly numbers, then build the percent from 10%, 5% and 1%”

  1. Round the amount to a round hundred; round an awkward percent to a friendly one (21% ≈ 20%).
  2. Build from 10%: 20% is double, 30% is triple, 5% is half of 10%, and 1% nudges: 11% = 10% + 1%.
  3. Choose the option closest to your estimate — watch the zeros.

Use it for: Sale discounts in a shop, tips, GST on a bill, and multiple-choice percentage questions.

Worked example: Best estimate of 21% of 398? → 80

  1. 21% ≈ 20% and 398 ≈ 400.
  2. 10% of 400 = 40, so 20% = 80.
  3. The closest option is 80.

Check: 21% of 398 = 83.58, and 80 is the closest option ✓

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 22 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass — and beat the clock: finish within 2 min 30 s.

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🖨️ Percentage Estimation Worksheet

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