In modern mixed-signal systems, it is important to build the conversion components with a flat frequency response over their full Nyquist frequency band. However, with increasing circuit speed, it is becoming more difficult to achieve this, due to limitations of the analog front-end circuits. This paper considers finite-length impulse-response (FIR) filters, designed in the least-squares sense, for the bandwidth extension of analog-to-digital converters, which is one of the most important applications in frequency response equalization. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: Firstly, based on extensive simulations, filter order-estimation expressions of the least-squares designed equalizers are derived. It appears to be the first time that order-estimation expressions are presented for any least-squares designed FIR filter. These expressions accurately estimate the order required for given specifications on the targeted extended bandwidth systems. Secondly, based on the derived order-estimation expressions, systematic design procedures are presented, which contribute to reducing the design time. Finally, a relation between the dynamic-range degradation and the system parameters is also derived and verified in the paper.