calculation

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce calculation (audio)
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 adjective

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
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.
Thomas told us the best chess boxers learn how to control their breathing to switch from a high-octane fight to cold calculation. Heather Abbott, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 Several projections cast doubt on that idea, including a UBS calculation that a 50-year mortgage would save about $119 on a monthly mortgage bill, but the interest costs would be roughly double over the life of the loan compared to a 30-year mortgage. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025 That kind of calculation requires the real-world market research of trying things in the wild. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 15 Nov. 2025 The calculation measures grams per square meter per 24 hours, or essentially how much moisture vapor passes through a square meter of material in a 24-hour period. Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for calculation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Calculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculation. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

calculation

noun
cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce calculation (audio)
1
a
: the process or an act of calculating
b
: the result obtained by calculation
2
: care in planning : caution

More from Merriam-Webster on calculation

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