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
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
Move forward a few decades, and no one bats an eye at someone using Excel to perform calculations.
—
John Schneider, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
But Trump appears to have made the calculation — at the prodding of Israeli officials and many Republican lawmakers — that Israel’s operation had softened the ground and presented a perhaps unparalleled opportunity to set back Iran’s nuclear program, perhaps permanently.
—Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
The president appears to have made the calculation – at the prodding of Israeli officials and many Republican lawmakers – that Israel’s operation had softened the ground and presented a perhaps unparalleled opportunity to set back Iran’s nuclear program, perhaps permanently.
—Sam Mednick, Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2025
That amounts to about 18% of employer establishments in the state, based on calculations using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for calculation
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John Schneider, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
But Trump appears to have made the calculation — at the prodding of Israeli officials and many Republican lawmakers — that Israel’s operation had softened the ground and presented a perhaps unparalleled opportunity to set back Iran’s nuclear program, perhaps permanently.
—Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
The president appears to have made the calculation – at the prodding of Israeli officials and many Republican lawmakers – that Israel’s operation had softened the ground and presented a perhaps unparalleled opportunity to set back Iran’s nuclear program, perhaps permanently.
—Sam Mednick, Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2025
That amounts to about 18% of employer establishments in the state, based on calculations using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for calculation
Cite this Entry
“Calculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculation. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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