calculate

/ˌkælkjəˈleɪt/

/ˈkælkjuleɪt/

Other forms: calculated; calculating; calculates

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.

Definitions of calculate

1. verb

   make a mathematical calculation or computation
   synonyms: cipher, compute, cypher, figure, reckon, work out

   work out

   be calculated

   types:

   quantise, quantize

   apply quantum theory to; restrict the number of possible values of (a quantity) or states of (a physical entity or system) so that certain variables can assume only certain discrete magnitudes that are integral multiples of a common factor

   extract

   calculate the root of a number

   process

   perform mathematical and logical operations on (data) according to programmed instructions in order to obtain the required information

   prorate

   divide or assess proportionally

   miscalculate, misestimate

   calculate incorrectly

   recalculate

   calculate anew

   average, average out

   compute the average of

   factor, factor in, factor out

   resolve into factors

   add, add together

   make an addition by combining numbers

   deduct, subtract, take off

   make a subtraction

   multiply

   combine by multiplication

   divide, fraction

   perform a division

   extrapolate, interpolate

   estimate the value of

   differentiate

   calculate a derivative; take the derivative

   integrate

   calculate the integral of; calculate by integration

   survey

   plot a map of (land)

   approximate, estimate, gauge, guess, judge

   judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)

   budget

   make a budget

   capitalise, capitalize

   compute the present value of a business or an income

   resolve, solve

   find the solution

   square

   raise to the second power

   cube

   raise to the third power

   foot, foot up

   add a column of numbers

   carry back

   deduct a loss or an unused credit from taxable income for a prior period

   raise

   multiply (a number) by itself a specified number of times: 8 is 2 raised to the power 3

   halve

   divide by two; divide into halves

   quarter

   divide by four; divide into quarters

   triangulate

   survey by triangulation

   quantise, quantize

   approximate (a signal varying continuously in amplitude) by one whose amplitude is restricted to a prescribed set of discrete values

   misgauge

   gauge something incorrectly or improperly

   place, put, set

   estimate

   give

   estimate the duration or outcome of something

   lowball, underestimate

   make a deliberately low estimate

   assess

   estimate the value of (property) for taxation

   make

   calculate as being

   count, reckon

   take account of

   overcapitalise, overcapitalize

   estimate the capital value of (a company) at an unreasonably or unlawfully high level

   factorise, factorize

   resolve (a polynomial) into factors

   truncate

   approximate by ignoring all terms beyond a chosen one

   guesstimate

   estimate based on a calculation

   type of:

   reason

   think logically
2. verb

   keep an account of
   synonyms: account

   types:

   credit

   accounting: enter as credit

   balance

   compute credits and debits of an account

   overbalance

   cause to be off balance

   debit

   enter as debit

   compound

   calculate principal and interest

   bill, charge

   demand payment

   finance

   sell or provide on credit

   impose, levy

   charge and collect payment

   tithe

   exact a tithe from

   assess

   charge (a person or a property) with a payment, such as a tax or a fine

   undercharge

   charge (someone) too little money

   surcharge

   charge an extra fee, as for a special service

   invoice

   send an bill to

   charge

   enter a certain amount as a charge
3. verb

   judge to be probable
   synonyms: count on, estimate, figure, forecast, reckon

   types:

   allow, take into account

   allow or plan for a certain possibility; concede the truth or validity of something

   budget for

   calculate enough money for; provide for in the budget

   type of:

   evaluate, judge, pass judgment

   form a critical opinion of
4. verb

   have faith or confidence in
   synonyms: bet, count, depend, look, reckon

   type of:

   bank, rely, swear, trust

   have confidence or faith in
5. verb

   predict in advance
   synonyms: forecast, project

   type of:

   anticipate, call, forebode, foretell, predict, prognosticate, promise

   make a prediction about; tell in advance
6. verb

   specifically design a product, event, or activity for a certain public
   synonyms: aim, direct

   type of:

   designate, destine, intend, specify

   design or destine