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 Twain
Examples 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
Whether calculated or a coincidence, this trio of hair accessories makes a cute stocking stuffer for Swifties.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Using a demographic framework to analyze Census Department data, Ortega calculates the share of undocumented workers in construction at roughly 15%.
—Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Based on its insurance claims data, State Farm calculates that the odds of U.S. drivers hitting an animal this year are 1 in 128, down slightly from 1 in 127 last year.
—Gary Stoller, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
As the pace of inflation has subsided, the cost-of-living adjustment has come down with it, since the Social Security Administration uses government inflation data to calculate the annual change.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for calculate 
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Claire Sullivan, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Using a demographic framework to analyze Census Department data, Ortega calculates the share of undocumented workers in construction at roughly 15%.
—Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Based on its insurance claims data, State Farm calculates that the odds of U.S. drivers hitting an animal this year are 1 in 128, down slightly from 1 in 127 last year.
—Gary Stoller, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
As the pace of inflation has subsided, the cost-of-living adjustment has come down with it, since the Social Security Administration uses government inflation data to calculate the annual change.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for calculate
Dictionary Entries Near calculate
Cite this Entry
“Calculate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculate. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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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