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

But in China's calculation, proving progress toward a building a full nuclear triad was worth the risk of regional blowback, said Lyle Morris, senior fellow at Asia Society Policy Institute. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026

Quantum circuits handled the parts of the calculations best suited for quantum hardware, while conventional computing completed the remaining tasks. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026

However, our calculations show that population growth in Florida, particularly from out-of-state migrants, has nearly stopped. — Karin Brewster, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Like Allen, Kober framed his decision to self-submit as a matter of conviction rather than calculation. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 July 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