The steric number is equal to the number of $\sigma$-bonds + the number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom. It gives us the number of hybridised orbitals.
It is pretty straight-forward to calculate it, but the problem here is that one must always draw the Lewis Structure before one can actually get to calculating the steric number, and then the number and types of hybrid orbitals. Even that is quite simple for a smaller compound, even like XeF$_6$, but when it comes to complex hydrocarbons, it's a little difficult.
My question is that is there any well-known (or not so well-known, but working) shortcut to doing this, so as to save time? It would be great if anyone could share their ideas and help me out.
Thanks in advance.