# computed

/kəmˈpjutəd/ (US) · /kəmpjˈuːtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/computed
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. calculated

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

describes a number or result that was found using math or a computer.

For teachers: determined or calculated through mathematical or algorithmic processes.

- The computed value of the house was much higher than the owner expected.
- The computed trajectory of the satellite was adjusted in real-time to account for atmospheric drag.

Usage: Often used in technical reports to distinguish between raw data and processed results.

### 2. derived rather than measured

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

describes information that is figured out from other facts instead of being seen directly.

For teachers: referring to data points derived from existing variables rather than obtained through direct empirical measurement.

- The final score was a computed average of all the students' tests.
- Researchers relied on computed estimates of the ancient population because no census records survived from that era.

Usage: Commonly appears in scientific literature when discussing data modeling.

Teaching tip: Help learners understand that 'computed' implies a level of abstraction from the original source material.

## Examples

- The computed results appear on the screen instantly.
- The software compares the computed value against the actual measurements to find any errors.
- The computed trajectory of the satellite must be adjusted periodically to account for minor atmospheric drag and gravitational variations.

---

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.