calculate

verb

cal·​cu·​late ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt How to pronounce calculate (audio)
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 expressionHugh 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 attemptMark Twain

intransitive verb

1
a
: to make a calculation
b
: to forecast consequences
2
: count, rely

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These aren't speculative bets — they're calculated investments in what companies see as the next fundamental computing platform. Daniel Newman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates that people 65 and older devote 13.4% of spending to medical care, while the general population devotes 8%. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 20 Aug. 2025 The torque is multiplied by the chain speed (measured by a separate sensor) to determine power in watts, while cadence is calculated by tracking chain speed and pedal position over time. New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2025 The rankings were calculated through evaluation of 26 relevant metrics under the main two categories—entertainment and recreation, and nightlife—which were given different weights in the total score. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for calculate

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin calculātus, past participle of calculāre "to count, reckon, compute," derivative of Latin calculus "pebble, pebble used for calculating on a counting board, method or result of calculation" — more at calculus

Note: The verb may already have existed in Latin, to judge by the derivative calculātor—see calculator.

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculate was in 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Calculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculate. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

calculate

verb
cal·​cu·​late ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt How to pronounce calculate (audio)
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

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