Estimation guide
How to estimate a big pile.
Do not chase individual objects. Break the pile into groups you can judge, then adjust for the parts you cannot see.
Choose a reference group
Find a cluster that looks like five or ten objects. It does not need to be exact. It needs to be easy to reuse across the pile.
Repeat it across the pile
Estimate how many reference groups fit across the width and height. Treat depth as a separate adjustment instead of pretending the pile is flat.
Check the density
Look for gaps around the edge and overlap near the centre. A loose pile can cover a large area while a compact pile hides several layers.
Notice which way you miss
Write down whether each estimate was high or low. If several guesses miss in the same direction, change the next one slightly.