English Reference
Idiom idiom

crunch numbers


To figure; to do the math.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

I need to crunch numbers to see if we can afford this.

CONTEXTUAL

The accountant spent all morning crunching numbers to prepare the budget report for the upcoming meeting.

COMPLEX

Before committing to such a significant investment, the analysts spent several days crunching numbers to ensure the company could sustain the projected growth.


Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    do numbers

    To be popular, as measured by engagement or sales metrics.

  2. 02

    file off the serial numbers

    To alter identifiable details in a creative work in order to conceal its origin.

  3. 03

    make up the numbers

    To provide sufficient people to make an event worthwhile.

Last updated August 10, 2026