Is there a mathmatical equation to estimate how much candy is in a jar?

Yes, you find the volume of the jar, then you find the volume of 1
piece of candy, then you divide the volume of the jar by the volume of
1 piece and you have your answer.

Divide the estimated volume of the jar by the estimated volume of the
candy....you would estimate the volume based on the shape of the jar
or candy and apply...thus different shapes = different formula...

Cylinder: pi * radius squared * h
Cube: length * width * height
Flattened Sphere (like a goldfish bowl): Treat the same as a cylinder
since it is basically a cylinder on it's edge....

Now...since most candy is circular (gumballs) we need to figure out
the volume of them...

Sphere: 4/3*pi*radius cubed

Now...generally speaking spheres in a container will take up 52% of
the volume (check sphere packing on the web)so take that percentage of
your answer.

Hope you win!

research_help...

As I mentioned you have to account for sphere packing....pouring
gumballs into a shape leaves ALOT of empty spaces...take it at about
54% filled after applying formula.

Sorry...meant 52%!!

Dear boredmom,

The best way to guess the quantity?   Ask a diverse group of people!

In the book, The Wisdom of Crowds, the author describes how a large
group of people can guess the number of M&Ms in a goldfish bowl with
amazing accuracy.

This experiment has been replicated over and over again.

Good luck!
ron