Channel quality indicator (cqi) estimation method and device

A channel quality indicator (CQI) estimation method and device are disclosed in the present invention. The method comprises: checking the channel state of an unlicensed carrier; when the channel state is a free state, obtaining an interference measurement result for the unlicensed carrier for a designated time slot in a cell; on the basis of the interference measurement result, obtaining an initial CQI estimation value for when said unlicensed carrier is to be occupied. The present invention solves the problem in the related art wherein a single measurement is insufficient to meet carrier switching needs, and thereby improves CQI measurement accuracy.