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 before I go to the store. [calculate: verb]
Example
She calculated the area of the rectangle by multiplying its length and width. [calculated: past tense]
determine
Example
We need to determine the best course of action for this project. [determine: verb]
Example
The doctor determined that the patient's symptoms were caused by an allergic reaction. [determined: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Determine is more commonly used than calculate in everyday language. Determine is a broader term that can be applied to a wide range of situations, while calculate is more specific to mathematical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between calculate and determine?
Both calculate and determine can be used in formal and informal situations. However, calculate is more commonly associated with technical or scientific writing, while determine is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
