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.

A common rule of thumb says to buy builders at one-times book value and sell at two-times.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

My rule of thumb is to add one cup of cottage cheese for every cup of sauce.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

There’s no real rule of thumb for this, other than that it’s always best to keep your immediate cash needs liquid in a high-yield savings account or money-market account.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Is there a simple rule of thumb that distinguishes a group with real social authority from a group with little power at all?

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell