guesstimator
Ballpark figure maker
A guesstimator is someone who makes guessttimates—rough calculations that blend guessing with estimating when precise data isn't available.
The term is informal and often slightly humorous, acknowledging that the person is working with incomplete information but still trying to arrive at a reasonable figure.
Our project manager is a skilled guesstimator when it comes to timelines.
Sports venue or estimate
- back-of-envelopeInformal preliminary calculation
- spitballingOffering untested ideas freely
- eyeballingEstimating by sight alone
- roundingAdjusting to simpler values
sizing · scaling · napkin math · rule-of-thumb · seat-of-pants · close enough · swag · fudge factor
One who predicts events
- prognosticatorOne who foretells outcomes
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- futuristTomorrow trends scholar
- crystal ballFortune-teller's viewing sphere
speculation · forward-looking · risk assessment · contingency planning
Tabular data organizer
- calculatorElectronic computation device
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- simulationImitation of real processes
Monte Carlo · range finder · confidence interval · error margin
Allowable deviation from truth
- confidence levelDegree of certainty
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
- hedgingNoncommittal maneuvering
- fudge factorArbitrary adjustment for uncertainty
wiggle room · variance · worst case · risk tolerance · imprecision · ambiguity
ballpark
Sports venue or estimate
- back-of-envelopeInformal preliminary calculation
- spitballingOffering untested ideas freely
- eyeballingEstimating by sight alone
rounding · sizing · scaling · napkin math · rule-of-thumb · seat-of-pants · close enough · swag · fudge factor
forecaster
One who predicts events
- prognosticatorOne who foretells outcomes
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- futuristTomorrow trends scholar
crystal ball · speculation · forward-looking · risk assessment · contingency planning
spreadsheet
Tabular data organizer
- calculatorElectronic computation device
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
simulation · Monte Carlo · range finder · confidence interval · error margin
margin of error
Allowable deviation from truth
- confidence levelDegree of certainty
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
- hedgingNoncommittal maneuvering
fudge factor · wiggle room · variance · worst case · risk tolerance · imprecision · ambiguity
guesstimatorprecision instrument
Tool built for accuracy
scientific calculator · computer · algorithm · actuary · statistician