calculate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to determine or ascertain by mathematical methods; compute.
to calculate the velocity of light.
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to determine by reasoning, common sense, or practical experience; estimate; evaluate; gauge.
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to make suitable or fit for a purpose; adapt (usually used passively and with an infinitive).
His remarks were calculated to inspire our confidence.
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Chiefly Northern U.S.
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to think; guess.
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to intend; plan.
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verb (used without object)
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to make a computation or form an estimate.
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to count or rely (usually followed by on orupon ).
They calculated on good weather.
verb
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to solve (one or more problems) by a mathematical procedure; compute
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(tr; may take a clause as object) to determine beforehand by judgment, reasoning, etc; estimate
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(tr; usually passive) to design specifically; aim
the car was calculated to appeal to women
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(intr; foll by on or upon) to depend; rely
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dialect (tr; may take a clause as object)
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to suppose; think
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to intend (to do something)
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have calculatedperfect
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has calculatedperfect 3rd person singular
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have been calculatingperfect progressive
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am calculatingprogressive 1st person singular
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are calculatingprogressive
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has been calculatingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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calculatessingular 3rd person
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is calculatingprogressive 3rd person singular
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calculatingparticiple
Past
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had calculatedperfect
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were calculatingprogressive plural
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was calculatingprogressive singular
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had been calculatingperfect progressive
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calculatedsimple
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calculatedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of calculate
First recorded in 1560–70; from Late Latin calculātus “reckoned,” past participle of calculāre “to reckon,” derivative of calculus “pebble”; see calculus
Explanation
To calculate is to compute, by figuring out a mathematical equation or a situation. You can calculate your monthly student loan payments, or calculate the risk of not paying them on time. Calculate derives from the Latin word for "count." When you calculate, you either count something up or calculate on something happening. You might be able to calculate the answer to a simple equation in your head but need a calculator to figure out a more complex problem. And when someone is calculating, they are scheming or conniving, always figuring out the fastest way to get ahead.
Vocabulary lists containing calculate
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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Pi Day Vocabulary
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"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To generate historical normally real returns of about 6.5% a year from these levels, they calculate, the market would have to grow to about 13 times GDP by 2100.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026
The GAO staff also explored the viability of other data-quality enhancements, including the use of blended data from multiple information sources, including surveys, administrative records, and alternative data, to calculate employment rates.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
Improving fuel economy is one way, and newer trucks often have built-in displays that calculate fuel economy in real time.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
“Harry’s 5’9”, Yaphet’s 6’3” and is always bending over, so from that you can calculate the corridors’ height.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
It really bothered Emma that she couldn’t calculate the odds, because of not knowing all the possible names in the world.
From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
