calculation

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce calculation (audio)
Synonyms of calculationnext
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.
Roughly 20% of global oil flows through Hormuz, meaning even the threat of disruption is enough to move markets and reshape diplomatic calculations. Derek Chollet, semafor.com, 25 Mar. 2026 On the one hand, working with the numbers and calculation familiar to most of us, the equation is undoubtedly true. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 24 Mar. 2026 How to calculate payroll taxes Every payroll calculation starts with gross wages, or an employee’s total annual compensation before deductions such as taxes, Social Security or health insurance. Kat Boogaard, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026 Unlike conventional computers, which store information as 0s and 1s, quantum computers use qubits, fundamental units of information that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling them to perform calculations that would take conventional computers millions of years to complete. Etiido Uko march 23, New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2026 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 26 Mar. 2026.

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

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