It helps to know how many chunks a thing will take, so you can plan.
Key idea
Chunks = items ÷ chunk size, rounded up. A leftover makes one more (smaller) chunk.
Worked example: Worked example
A 10-digit phone number in groups of 3, 3 and 4. How many chunks?
- Three groups.
Answer: 3 chunks.
Worked example: With a leftover
A 14-digit number in chunks of 4. How many chunks?
- 14 ÷ 4 = 3.5.
- Round up: 3 full chunks and one of 2 digits.
Answer: 4 chunks.
Worked example: Another
How many chunks of 3 for 20 letters?
- 20 ÷ 3 = 6.67.
- Round up to 7.
Answer: 7 chunks.
Why it works
If the count is well over four, chunking alone won't hold it at once. Learn it in parts, or give each chunk a spot in a memory palace.