calculation

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

1

a

: the process or an act of calculating

b

: the result of an act of calculating

2

a

: studied care in analyzing or planning

b

: cold heartless planning to promote self-interest

calculational

ˌkal-kyə-ˈlāsh-nəl 

-ˈlā-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• arithmetic
• calculus
• ciphering
• computation
• figures
• figuring
• math
• mathematics
• number crunching
• numbers
• reckoning

Examples of calculation in a Sentence

According to experts' calculations, that star will explode within two billion years.

The computer can do millions of calculations each second.

Careful calculation is required to determine the required amount of fuel.

The book reveals the cold calculations that were behind the government's policies.

His positions are based on political calculation of what voters want to hear.

Recent Examples on the Web

For the Grunberg family, the journey was similarly difficult, covering at least 93 miles according to her father’s calculations. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 May 2024

All that data goes into a calculation that Octopus uses to determine the size of the heat pump. —Matt Simon, WIRED, 6 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

calculation

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

1

a

: the process or an act of calculating

b

: the result obtained by calculation

2

: care in planning : caution