A Fermi problem (or Fermi question, Fermi quiz), also known as an order-of-magnitude problem, is an estimation problem in physics or engineering education, designed to teach dimensional …

A Fermi problem is an approximate, back-of-the-envelope calculation of an arbitrary figure facilitated by identifying suitable factors of the figure, that are accessible to common experience.

Nov 9, 2025 · Fermi problems are thought experiments designed to calculate an approximate value for a quantity when precise data is unavailable. Named after physicist Enrico Fermi, …

Aug 13, 2025 · A Fermi problem is a type of estimation challenge that aims to find a reasonable approximation for a quantity when exact data is unavailable or hard to obtain.

One of the highlights of Fermi Problems is that you are asked to estimate a given quantity rather than find its exact value. This gives you some slack in your estimations to save a lot of work …

A Fermi problem involves making estimates and using mathematics to answer a question, in more colloquial language they might be termed ‘back of envelope’ calculations.

Oct 24, 2025 · Today, part of his legacy lives on in what we call Fermi problems — questions that seem impossible to answer but can be tackled with a little logic, a few assumptions, and a lot …