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
Despite the rise in dollar amounts, beneficiaries are seeing the value of these payments eroded by inflation and structural issues in how COLAs are calculated.
—Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Individuals have their body weight and height measured to calculate their body mass index (BMI), a simple calculation used to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025
Jackie Faherty Senior Research Scientist at the American Museum of Natural History
Jackie Faherty is a senior research scientist at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in charge of calculating the exact timings for the Manhattanhenge phenomenon.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 May 2025
Bear in mind that in other advanced economies, the government does the work of calculating how much tax is owed by individuals, who in some cases are merely asked to spend a few minutes verifying the numbers.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for calculate
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Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Individuals have their body weight and height measured to calculate their body mass index (BMI), a simple calculation used to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025
Jackie Faherty Senior Research Scientist at the American Museum of Natural History
Jackie Faherty is a senior research scientist at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in charge of calculating the exact timings for the Manhattanhenge phenomenon.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 May 2025
Bear in mind that in other advanced economies, the government does the work of calculating how much tax is owed by individuals, who in some cases are merely asked to spend a few minutes verifying the numbers.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 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 3 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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