'Approximation' vs 'Estimation'

[Tom]

Hi

Could you please tell me if the red words sound OK in the following sentences? Or help me reword/ beautify this.

[Skrej]

Tom, they don't sound quite natural. First, you can't say "I put it by ___", you'd have to say "I put it in by ___". Even that sounds awkward; to me "I add it by ___" sounds more natural.

You're more likely to hear "I never measure the salt in food I make. I just estimate/approximate (it)."

Also, there's always the portmanteau 'guesstimate', a particular favorite of mine.
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[Barb_D]

I was just about to say "guesstimate" before I saw your response. It's a favorite of mine too.