# calculation

/ˌkæɫkjəˈɫeɪʃən/ (US) · /kˌælkjʊlˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/calculation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. mathematical process

noun · CEFR B2

the act of using numbers to find an amount or a result.

For teachers: the systematic process of determining a mathematical result through computation.

- The engineer performed a quick calculation to see if the bridge could hold the weight.
- After performing a complex series of calculations, the research team concluded that the initial hypothesis regarding orbital decay was incorrect.

Usage: often used with the verbs 'make' or 'perform'

### 2. a result

noun · CEFR B2

the final number or answer you get after working with figures.

For teachers: the specific numerical result or value obtained through mathematical reckoning.

- If my calculations are correct, we should have enough money for the trip.
- The accountant's final calculations revealed a significant discrepancy between the projected revenue and the actual cash flow for the third quarter.

### 3. strategic planning

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

careful planning that considers what might happen in the future.

For teachers: a deliberate and often cold assessment of circumstances to determine the best course of action.

- His decision to leave the company was a cold calculation to improve his career.
- The political move was a matter of pure calculation, designed to appeal to swing voters without alienating the party's core supporters.

### 4. chess strategy

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

thinking ahead about many possible moves and responses in a game.

For teachers: the mental process of visualizing sequences of potential moves and counter-moves without physically adjusting the pieces.

- After ten minutes of deep calculation, the grandmaster finally moved his knight.
- The engine's superior depth of calculation allowed it to find a forced checkmate that no human player had anticipated during the live commentary.

## Examples

- The complex calculation took several minutes to complete.
- After a quick calculation of the remaining fuel, the pilot decided to land at the nearest airport.
- The CEO's decision to merge was a cold, strategic calculation designed to eliminate her primary competitor before the fiscal year ended.

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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.