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

Structured computation and data management, including calculations, allocations and scenario modeling, should remain within deterministic planning systems, while agents orchestrate and interpret on top of that foundation. — Hemant Kapadia, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

According to Baldwin’s calculations, Wisconsin sports fans currently would need to pay more than $1,500 per year to be able to watch all of the Packers, Brewers and Bucks games across multiple services. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

But the earnings data used by Dangote and its issuing houses make assumptions and calculations that are not clearly reconciled, Fawehinmi argued in an analysis published on Substack over the weekend. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 14 Sep. 2026

What 5% means for stocks Higher bond yields can impact analysts’ calculations for companies’ future earnings and stocks’ value. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 14 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