Hi, maidintheville. I'm here to provide you with information on creating an estimate with a unique or new estimate number in QuickBooks.
When you create an estimate in QuickBooks Online, the system automatically follows a numbering sequence for new estimates. If you attempt to save an estimate with a number that has been previously used, you'll receive a prompt asking, "Use the same estimate number? You already used this estimate number, but you can use it again. Your estimate will be reordered starting with [estimate number]". You have the option to use the same estimate number without affecting the previously used estimate.

However, to have a new estimate number, I recommend manually entering a new number; afterwards, the system will follow the sequence of the latest estimate number you have created.
If the estimate still shows the same number after this, I recommend performing a browser troubleshooting steps. Try accessing your account and creating an estimate in an incognito or private window to determine if the accumulated cache is causing the unexpected issue with creating a new estimate.
Here are the shortcut keys to open incognito mode in popular browsers:
- Mozilla Firefox: CTRL + Shift + P.
- Microsoft Edge: CTRL + Shift + N.
- Google Chrome: CTRL + Shift + N.
- Safari: Command + Shift + N.
If you can create an estimate with a new estimate number in private mode, I suggest clearing your browser's cache to ensure smoother performance. This should help resolve any issues related to browser cache affecting your estimates in QuickBooks Online.
For more information about creating an estimate, please read this article: Create and send estimates.
Additionally, once the estimate is accepted by your customer, you can directly convert it into an invoice. Please check this article for detailed steps: Convert an estimate into an invoice.
If you have more questions about the estimate's number or need more assistance in managing estimates, click the Reply button. We are happy to help you.