Abstract: An encoding method and an encoding apparatus for increasing compression efficiency using model switching in motion estimation of a sub-pixel are provided. The encoding method includes obtaining a motion vector of a pixel existing on a block, generating a plurality of motion estimation models using a value of the motion vector, comparing estimation errors of the plurality of motion estimation models with one another, and selecting one motion estimation model which has a smaller estimation error according to the comparing of the estimation errors, and performing sub-pixel motion estimation using the selected motion estimation model.