The weather forecast and someone’s age are the hardest things to guess

The weather forecast, someone’s age and the amount of time a queue will take are the hardest things to guess, according to Brits.

A poll of 2,000 adults found many feel stumped when trying to “guesstimate” how much paint they will need when re-decorating (25 per cent) and the amount of energy their household uses each day (21 per cent).

Portions of pasta to cook (20 per cent) and the cost of the food shop (19 per cent) were also ranked among the hardest things to guesstimate.

In fact, the survey revealed just 13 per cent correctly guess it costs 1-2p to boil an electric kettle for a cup of tea.

And only 14 per cent knew a 10-minute shower uses between 100-150 litres of water.

Although three quarters (77 per cent) said it’s important to estimate accurately in everyday life, despite 42 per cent admitting they ‘wing it’ and hope for the best at least once a week.

This guesswork can come at a cost – with Brits reporting unnecessary waiting around (34 per cent), wasting food (27 per cent), and receiving a higher bill than expected (21 per cent).

Three in five (60 per cent) added being able to estimate accurately would help them plan more effectively, avoid waste (56 per cent) and reduce stress (52 per cent).

And half (50 per cent) think that having more accurate information would help them to predict their costs, bills and spending.

The research found energy bills would be the most useful thing to have accurate information about (38 per cent), highlighting the limits of guesswork when it comes to household costs.

The research was commissioned by Smart Energy GB, which has partnered with Denise Van Outen, who has presented Secrets of Supermarket Buyers and The Big Pound Shop Swap.

The TV and theatre star highlighted how relying on guesswork can lead to wasted energy – and how accurate information can help households stay in control of their costs.

She said: “Loads of us rely on guesswork for things like cooking or housework, but there are areas in life where being accurate is really important.

“For me, having a smart meter takes away that uncertainty when it comes to energy. I can see what I’m using day-to-day on my in-home display, which makes it much easier to stay in control and avoid any surprises.

“It’s one less thing to think about, and that peace of mind makes a real difference in a busy household.”

Three in 10 (29 per cent) admit finding it tricky to estimate how much energy their household appliances use, while 27 per cent consider it hard to work out daily heating costs.

Yet 67 per cent think it’s helpful to be able to see their energy use and costs in real time, and almost half (45 per cent) of those who have a smart meter check the in-home display several times a week.

Six in 10 agree that having access to information about their energy use can help manage household costs better, according to the stats by OnePoll.

Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “While we might be happy to guesstimate pasta portions and have some leftover for later, there are plenty of areas where we’d prefer to have accurate information, including our energy use.

“Having a smart meter means you will receive accurate bills that aren’t based on estimates, and the in-home display gives you up-to-date information about your energy use, which means no more guesswork.

“That visibility makes it easier to plan ahead, budget more confidently and stay in control of your spending.”

TOP 10 THINGS THAT ARE HARDEST TO GUESS:

1. What the weather will be like in the coming weeks

2. Someone’s age

3. How long a queue will take

4. How much paint you’ll need when redecorating

5. The actual cost of doing up your house

6. Which supermarket checkout will be quickest

7. What time your parcel will arrive

8. How much energy your household uses daily

9. How much pasta to cook

10. How much food to prepare for guests