What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
calculate
Example
I need to calculate the total cost of my groceries. [calculate: verb]
Example
She calculated the area of the rectangle by multiplying the length and width. [calculated: past tense]
compute
Example
I need to compute the average of these numbers. [compute: verb]
Example
The computer computed the complex equation in seconds. [computed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Calculate is more commonly used than compute in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Compute is more specific and often used in technical or scientific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between calculate and compute?
While calculate is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, compute is more technical and formal in nature, commonly used in professional or academic settings.
