calculation
noun
cal·cu·la·tion
ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən 
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
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
With Adebayo in his way, Anunoby performed the calculations.
—
Fred Katz, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Many borrowers have already incurred higher tax obligations by filing their taxes separately based on the assurance that their spouse’s income would be excluded from the payment calculation.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Slott believes that their software is easy to use for IRA planning calculations.
—Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
The broader question, not just for the minnows but for all U.S. trade partners, is whether the underlying assumption that trade can be of mutual benefit, beyond simple balance-sheet calculations, is an assumption shared by Mr. Trump.
—Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for calculation
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.
Fred Katz, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Many borrowers have already incurred higher tax obligations by filing their taxes separately based on the assurance that their spouse’s income would be excluded from the payment calculation.
—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Slott believes that their software is easy to use for IRA planning calculations.
—Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
The broader question, not just for the minnows but for all U.S. trade partners, is whether the underlying assumption that trade can be of mutual benefit, beyond simple balance-sheet calculations, is an assumption shared by Mr. Trump.
—Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for calculation
Cite this Entry
“Calculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculation. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
calculation
noun
cal·cu·la·tion
ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən
1
a
: the process or an act of calculating
b
: the result obtained by calculation
2
: care in planning : caution
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share