How to learn to solve estimation questions

Hello folks,

This year I applied for BCG and McKinsey in one of Europe offices. I have interviewed for all the rounds in BCG and McKinsey. For me, the hardest part was answering estimation questions and unfortunately in my 2nd and final round interviews with BCG, I was constantly asked estimation questions (directly or as a part of the business case problem). For instance, in my final decision round interview with BCG, the managing partner asked me "How many people enters to an average bank office?" then as a follow-up he asked "Using the previous question, estimate how many bank offices are there in the whole country?". I had a really hard time approaching these type of questions. Could you please suggest me ways to learn how to approach estimation questions?

Thank you very much!

2 Comments
 
Best Response

One of the case prep platforms that offered more insight into not just the interview process but actually creates the experience is "Consulting Confidant:" a case prep platform that sets up mock interviews between candidates and consultants from top firms such as BCG, McKinsey, Deloitte, etc.

The program was tailor made by a BCG alum who knows the ins and outs of consulting recruiting and how the navigate the process from various perspectives. Through the program you can set up calls and practice various case types, even "market sizing" cases as you mentioned that can offer real insight into the process and valuable feedback to refine your approach!

Consulting Confidant even has a YouTube channel with a live market sizing case to offer some insight into the process they use!

Hope this helps!

 

Quos laborum consequuntur quia quasi velit. Sit commodi aut libero sapiente maiores labore.

Autem vel qui molestiae neque. Distinctio esse et ut. Numquam quibusdam dignissimos atque quisquam ea alias. Aut sint soluta perferendis dolorem.

Aut est voluptate sit expedita dolore autem. Inventore cupiditate rem modi et. Animi possimus enim quas quo.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.9%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (53) $247
  • Engagement Manager (113) $232
  • Manager (171) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (642) $122
  • 1st Year Associate (577) $121
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (391) $104
  • Associate Consultant (176) $101
  • 1st Year Analyst (1163) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (208) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (634) $68
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”