Guess how many lollies in the jar

Is there a mathematical way to improve your chance of being correct? Sarah, Newcastle. An approximate method to calculate the number of sweets in a jar, is to multiply the number along the width and length of the base by the number of sweets in the height of the jar. This percentage value will of course vary depending on the shape of the sweet.

Then to take account of the gap in between the sweets, reduce this total by thirty percent 0. If a jar has approximately 4 sweets along the width, 5 along the length and a depth of 12 sweets, how many sweets are in the jar? Your email address will not be published.

Step 4: Determine percentage of volume used Calculate the percentage of the total volume the candies take up in the jar. Calculate 64 percent of the jar's total volume if the candies are spheres, and calculate Step 5: Figure it out For spherical candies, divide your estimate for the size of one candy into 64 percent of the volume of the jar.

For oblate spheroid candies, divide the average size of one candy into You've got the answer; now amaze your friends with your guess! Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? Jump-start your career with our Premium A-to-Z Microsoft Excel Training Bundle from the new Gadget Hacks Shop and get lifetime access to more than 40 hours of Basic to Advanced instruction on functions, formula, tools, and more. Scientific American is part of the Nature Publishing Group.

Lynne Peeples is a freelance science journalist based in Seattle. Already a subscriber? Sign in. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter. Sign Up. Support science journalism.