# How to estimate the running time of a programme on mathematica [closed]

I am solving a system of 6 linear equations containing six unknowns using mathematica. It is taking too much time and still running after 3 hours. can I estimate the approximate running time? Is there any method to minimize the running time of a programme?

• Show us the equations. There is no general possible solution on runtime estimates without the actual code and equations. Mar 14 '16 at 9:11
• What's wrong with Timing ? Wrap all your code in a single Module if need be and run Timing on it. Mar 14 '16 at 9:17
• @TradDog It measures, not estimates.
– Kuba
Mar 14 '16 at 9:19
• @Kuba I've heard of many experimental physicists who never knew the difference .) Mar 14 '16 at 9:23

If you need to estimate the running time for a function which takes inputs of different sizes, start with small inputs for which the function finishes fast. Measure the time using Timing/AbsoluteTiming. Increase the size of the input, measure the time again. Obtain a few data points this way. Try to guess the complexity of the algorithm form the result and extrapolate to larger inputs.