calculate
verb
cal·cu·late
ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt 
calculated; calculating
1
a
: to determine by mathematical processes
calculate the rate of acceleration
b
: to reckon by exercise of practical judgment : estimate
calculate the likelihood of success
c
: to solve or probe the meaning of : figure out
trying to calculate his expression—
Hugh MacLennan
Hugh MacLennan2
: to design or adapt for a purpose
he carefully calculated the timing of his arrival for maximum impact
3
a
: to judge to be true or probable
b
: intend
I calculate to do it or perish in the attempt—Mark Twain
Mark TwainExamples of calculate in a Sentence
calculate the volume of a cylinder
I need to calculate how long it will take me to drive to Chicago.
We calculated the cost of new carpeting for the whole house.
We need to calculate our chances of success before we invest more money in the business.
Recent Examples on the Web
Key applications include improving efficiency, calculating value at risk and modeling market dynamics for traders.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Marc: The beginning — when the titular character is crying, and then immediately switches from sobbing into the camera to being this cold and calculating person.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 June 2025
Blasting plants with water to wash off pests must be calculated to occur early in the day and when there is enough sun to ensure that our plants will dry promptly.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Once synced with radar and deployed, the AI locks onto targets, calculates their speed and trajectory, and fires.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for calculate
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Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Marc: The beginning — when the titular character is crying, and then immediately switches from sobbing into the camera to being this cold and calculating person.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 June 2025
Blasting plants with water to wash off pests must be calculated to occur early in the day and when there is enough sun to ensure that our plants will dry promptly.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Once synced with radar and deployed, the AI locks onto targets, calculates their speed and trajectory, and fires.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for calculate
Cite this Entry
“Calculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculate. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
calculate
verb
cal·cu·late
ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt
calculated; calculating
1
: to find by performing mathematical operations (as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) : compute
calculate the average
2
: estimate entry 1 sense 1
calculate the risk of losing
3
: to plan by careful thought
a program calculated to succeed
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