Proper Estimation by Nick Abel

In engineering, it is important to be able to estimate properly when it comes to measurements and calculations. One very crucial piece of knowledge is how significant figures work. There are many tools out there that can measure very precise values but you may not always need value as precise as that. In fact, in some cases, it may come as a disadvantage to be really precise. If, for example, you are calculating measurements for something that you are having a metal worker build for you, the more precise the measurement needs to be, the more expensive the process will be. This is why significant figures exist and why it is important to know how to make proper calculations for any product you may be working on. In addition to being able to calculate properly, it is also important to be able to estimate what your calculations may come out to. This is used as a sort of self-check on your work to make sure you didn't make a large error somewhere in your calculations and that your answer makes actual sense. Sometimes when performing large calculations, you can get lost in the numbers and forget what you are actually working on and what kind of answer is realistic and what is just ridiculous that the normal person who hasn't been working hard will be able to spot is bad. Always make sure you are doing your calculations correctly and estimate, if possible, what your outcome should be to be assured that you are doing your work properly.