This application provides example encoding methods and example encoders. One example method includes performing bit truncation on a to-be-encoded block when a bit rate control condition is satisfied. A first cost value corresponding to the bit truncation can then be calculated. The to-be-encoded block can then be predicted to determine a prediction residual of the to-be-encoded block when the bit rate control condition is satisfied. A second cost value corresponding to the prediction can then be calculated based on the prediction residual. The first cost value can then be compared with the second cost value to determine an encoded bit.