A practical checklist

  1. State the estimate basis in notes before recording the amount.
  2. Use the actual unit of the estimate without adding false decimal precision.
  3. Replace it with a confirmed measurement later and explain any meaningful correction.
Illustrative recordA worked example

Harvesting · September 17 · 9 t. Notes: “Approximate load weight from operator estimate; no scale slip available yet.” When the slip gives 8.6 t, the original entry is corrected with the new source identified.

What to avoid

Do not make an estimate look measured by adding several decimal places. Precision in formatting does not improve the reliability of the underlying number.

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