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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Vanguard’s rule of thumb is to invest 3% of income, per child, for college.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

“Over the years military planners have arrived at a rule of thumb which dictates that functional fighting units cannot be substantially larger than 200 men,” Dunbar writes.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell