- An approximate estimate or rough calculation of a number, cost, or quantity, not intended to be exact.
Explanation
Origin
- American English, dating from the mid-20th century.
- It originates from baseball. A ball hit in the ballpark is within the large playing area, implying it's roughly in the right zone but not precise. Similarly, a ballpark figure is within a reasonable range but not exact.
- The term likely gained traction in business and finance for preliminary estimates.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Guesstimate
- Off-the-cuff number
More Formal:
- Approximate calculation
- Preliminary estimate
- Projection
- Indicative cost/number
Situational Appropriateness
- Widely acceptable in informal and most semi-formal business contexts, project planning, and general conversation.
- It clearly signals that the number is not precise.
- Might be considered too informal for final, official financial statements or highly precise scientific contexts, but is generally well-understood in professional environments.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood. The key is that both parties recognise it means approximate. A non-native speaker might mistake it for a final number if unfamiliar with the idiom, though the context usually implies estimation.
Examples
- I don't need the exact cost yet, just give me a ballpark figure.
- Can you provide a ballpark figure for how many people might attend?
- My ballpark figure for the project length is about six months.
Dialogue
Manager: How much do you think the new software licenses will cost?
Employee: I haven't got the final quotes yet, but a ballpark figure would be somewhere in the region of $5,000.
Manager: Okay, thanks. That helps for the initial budget planning. Let me know when you have the exact cost.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Planning a kitchen renovation. Anyone got a ballpark figure for what I should budget? #homereno #budgeting
- LinkedIn Post: Tip for freelancers: Always provide a ballpark figure upfront if possible, but manage expectations that the final cost may vary.
- Forum Question: What's a ballpark figure for car insurance for a new driver these days?
Response Patterns
- Providing the estimate: Okay, ballpark, I'd say it's around... / Roughly...
- Qualifying the estimate: This is just a ballpark figure, mind you...
- Declining (if impossible): It's too early to even give a ballpark figure.
- Acknowledging the request: Okay, I'll work out a ballpark figure for you.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After receiving a ballpark figure:
- Ask for clarification (What does that include?).
- Ask when a more precise figure will be available (When can you get me the exact numbers?).
- Use the figure for initial planning or budgeting.
After requesting one:
- Wait for the person to provide the estimate.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically used within a discussion involving numbers, costs, or quantities, often as a request.
Intonation
- Usually neutral and informative.
- Stress often on BALLPARK.
- Just need a BALLPARK figure for now.
Generation Differences
- Common and well-understood across working generations, particularly in business, finance, and project management.
Regional Variations
- Originated in American English and is very common there.
- Widely adopted and understood in other English-speaking countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, etc.