Algorithm for estimating text width based on contents

Question

This is a long shot, but does anyone know of an algorithm for estimating and categorising text width (for a variable width font) based on its contents?

For example, I\'d

Answer 1

I think you should choose one of these solutions:

• Exact solution: Sum up the width for every character in the string (most APIs will give you this information)
• Quick estimate: Either take the maximum or the minimum width and multiply it with the numbers of characters.

Of course some mixed estimate is possible, but I think this is too much effort in the wrong direction.