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

According to the latest calculations, the 2,500-pound orbital telescope will largely burn-up during its descent on or around Friday, November 6. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2026

Over 20 trillion gallons of water have fallen on the Four Corners states and Nevada in the past two weeks, according to calculations by former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief scientist Ryan Maue. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

More than 20 trillion gallons of water has fallen on the Four Corners states and Nevada in the last two weeks, according to calculations by former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief scientist Ryan Maue. — Christopher Weber, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

His calculation assumes those income tax losses continue indefinitely. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Nov. 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