# crunch numbers

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/crunch-numbers
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To figure; to do the math.

## Examples

- I need to crunch numbers to see if we can afford this.
- The accountant spent all morning crunching numbers to prepare the budget report for the upcoming meeting.
- Before committing to such a significant investment, the analysts spent several days crunching numbers to ensure the company could sustain the projected growth.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.