calculate

verb

cal·​cu·​late ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt 

calculated; calculating

transitive verb

1

a

: to determine by mathematical processes

calculate the rate of acceleration

b

: to reckon by exercise of practical judgment : estimate

calculate the likelihood of success

c

: to solve or probe the meaning of : figure out

trying to calculate his expression

—Hugh MacLennan

2

: to design or adapt for a purpose

he carefully calculated the timing of his arrival for maximum impact

3

a

: to judge to be true or probable

b

: intend

I calculate to do it or perish in the attempt

—Mark Twain

intransitive verb

1

a

: to make a calculation

b

: to forecast consequences

2

: count, rely

Synonyms

• cipher
• compute
• figure
• reckon
• work out

Examples of calculate in a Sentence

calculate the volume of a cylinder

I need to calculate how long it will take me to drive to Chicago.

We calculated the cost of new carpeting for the whole house.

We need to calculate our chances of success before we invest more money in the business.

Recent Examples on the Web

While many individual investors may not have an AI at their disposal yet, our report provides these ratings alongside every excerpt from SEC filings that our AI pulled in order to calculate them. —Paolo Confino, Fortune, 6 June 2024

Average temperatures are calculated based on monthly averages recorded between 1981 and 2010. —Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2024

The Hotline has attempted to lend context to the situation by calculating the maximum audience available for WSU and OSU based on the broadcast schedule for their home and road games in 2024. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 4 June 2024

Munn's lifesaving diagnosis was due to her ob-gyn’s decision to calculate her lifetime breast cancer risk score during a routine Pap smear using a free online tool called a Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment calculator. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin calculatus, past participle of calculare, from calculus pebble (used in reckoning), perhaps irregular diminutive of calc-, calx lime — more at chalk

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

calculate

verb

cal·​cu·​late ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt 

calculated; calculating

1

: to find by performing mathematical operations (as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) : compute

calculate the average

2

: estimate entry 1 sense 1

calculate the risk of losing

3

: to plan by careful thought

a program calculated to succeed

Etymology

from Latin calculatus "calculate," derived from calculus "pebble (used in counting)," from calc-, calx "stone used in gambling, lime" — related to calcium, chalk