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When I would do estimates for clients I’d regularly say something along the lines of “devil’s in the details but this job sounds like it’s in the $5k-$7.5K range.” Then if they still wanted to play ball, I’d send an actual quote and contract, which usually was more precise (e.g. total of $7250.00 or whatever).

Now when it came to grant writing, I was definitely a little more prone to trying to make the numbers look specific out the gate. “I need $10,000” sounds like a gut number regardless of context, so in a case that really was the estimate (it happens!) I’d say “$9,850” or something. Usually a 10% misc/“the unexpected” line item took care of it though.

A nerd doesn't use a calculator they can do simple math in their head.

> than having to use a calculator like a nerd.

Why the hating on nerds?