cálculo
“cálculo” means “calculation” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
calculation
Also: estimate
📝 In Action
Hice un cálculo rápido y creo que tenemos suficiente dinero.
A2I did a quick calculation and I think we have enough money.
Según mis cálculos, el viaje durará tres horas.
B1According to my estimates, the trip will last three hours.
Hubo un error de cálculo en el presupuesto del proyecto.
B2There was a miscalculation in the project budget.
stone
Also: calculus
📝 In Action
El paciente tiene un cálculo renal muy pequeño.
B2The patient has a very small kidney stone.
El dentista me quitó el cálculo de los dientes.
C1The dentist removed the tartar/calculus from my teeth.
calculus

📝 In Action
El cálculo diferencial es una materia difícil.
C1Differential calculus is a difficult subject.
Isaac Newton fue uno de los inventores del cálculo.
C2Isaac Newton was one of the inventors of calculus.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "cálculo" in Spanish:
calculus→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cálculo
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following refers to a medical issue?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'calculus', which means 'a small stone or pebble'. In ancient times, these pebbles were used as tokens on counting boards to perform math.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'cálculo' always mean math?
Not exactly. While it is rooted in math, it is very commonly used to mean an 'estimate' or 'guess' in everyday situations, and it also refers to medical stones.
How do I say 'I calculate' versus 'a calculation'?
For 'I calculate', say 'yo calculo' (no accent). For 'a calculation', say 'un cálculo' (accent on the 'a').
What is the plural of 'cálculo'?
The plural is 'cálculos'. Note that it keeps the accent on the 'á' because the stress stays on that same syllable.


