Estimation can be a game-changer on GRE Quant, particularly when time is tight or a problem looks more complicated than it needs to be. Instead of pushing through lengthy calculations, estimation helps you quickly judge whether an answer makes sense and move on.

Take this example: suppose you need to find the product of 4.17 and 199. Doing the exact multiplication isn’t necessary. Round 4.17 down to 4 and 199 up to 200, then multiply 4 × 200 to get an approximate value of 800. If the answer choices are 8.30, 83, 830, and 8,300, your estimate immediately points you to the correct range and rules out the rest—saving both time and mental energy.

This approach is especially effective for quickly eliminating unrealistic options and narrowing down your choices. By relying on smart approximations, you can stay efficient and avoid getting stuck in tedious arithmetic. Used at the right moments, estimation brings clarity and confidence when it matters most on test day.

If you have questions about using strategies like this in your GRE prep, feel free to reach out. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep