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-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of calculation

• math
• arithmetic
• computation
• mathematics
• numbers

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

When a full-body scan might make sense The calculation changes for people with symptoms or specific high-risk factors, such as a strong family history of certain cancers. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

The strongest El Niño event in recorded is history is likely by most if not all metrics, including the Relative Oceanic Niño Index, which accounts for climate change induced warming in the calculations. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

For many young adults, the calculation between enjoying money now and saving it for later has shifted. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026

The current calculation, which provides customers a credit of between $30 and $34 on the typical monthly bill, is due to last through April. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calculacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French calculacione, borrowed from Late Latin calculātiōn-, calculātiō, from calculāre "to count, calculate" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for calculation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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