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 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.
Its calculations are based on the changes in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) between the third quarter of the current year and Q3 of the previous year. Sarah Hostetler, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025 Our back-of-the-envelope calculations suggest that Intel has left a lot of value locked behind its conglomerate structure. Charlene Barshefsky, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025 But, in order to do that with limited airplane cabin space, airline executives have to make a calculation about how to ensure the right mix of seating is available onboard. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 Network adequacy calculations become fiction, exposing organizations to regulatory scrutiny and market access restrictions. Tammy Hawes, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 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 29 Sep. 2025.

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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