rule of thumb

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As a rule of thumb, every $10 rise in oil adds about five cents per pound to polyethylene, according to Morales.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

A space rule of thumb holds that costs drop 90% when robots replace people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

A common rule of thumb for builder investors is buy the stocks when they trade at one-times book value and sell at two-times book value.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

“A very simple rule of thumb for tactical liquidation is when gold and equities crash together, which usually signals margin call / liquidation-esque behavior,” they say.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Restricting the computers from joining the editorial meetings wasn’t a rule: it was a rule of thumb.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly