crunch (the) numbers

phrase

: to process numbers : to examine and analyze numbers, especially to determine exactly how much money is available, needed, etc.
When we sat down to crunch the numbers we realized that we couldn't afford a new car.

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Cite this Entry

“Crunch (the) numbers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crunch%20%28the%29%20numbers. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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