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How to Say "calculation" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “calculation” is “cálculo” — use 'cálculo' when referring to the specific result of an arithmetic or mathematical operation, especially a quick, informal one.

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cálculo

nounA2general
Use 'cálculo' when referring to the specific result of an arithmetic or mathematical operation, especially a quick, informal one.

Examples

Hice un cálculo rápido y creo que tenemos suficiente dinero.

I did a quick calculation and I think we have enough money.

cuenta

KWEN-tahˈkwenta

nounB1general
Use 'cuenta' when 'calculation' means 'count' or the act of keeping track of something, often in a more general or less strictly mathematical sense.
A whimsical character counting a large, disorganized pile of colorful wooden blocks.

Examples

He perdido la cuenta de cuántas veces te lo he dicho.

I've lost count of how many times I've told you.

Según mis cuentas, nos deben dinero.

According to my calculations, they owe us money.

La cena corre por mi cuenta.

Dinner is on me (my responsibility).

The Super-Phrase: 'Darse Cuenta de'

This phrase is incredibly common and means 'to realize'. Remember the little word 'de' that often comes after it. For example, 'Me di cuenta de que no tenía mis llaves.' (I realized that I didn't have my keys.)

Realize vs. Realizar

Mistake: “'Realicé que era tarde.'”

Correction: 'Me di cuenta de que era tarde.' 'Realizar' looks like 'realize', but it actually means 'to carry out' or 'to make real'. To say 'I realize', always use 'me doy cuenta'.

estimación

nounB1general
Choose 'estimación' when the 'calculation' is an approximate or educated guess of a value or quantity, rather than an exact mathematical result.

Examples

Hicimos una estimación de los gastos para el viaje.

We made an estimate of the expenses for the trip.

operación

nounC1formal
Use 'operación' specifically when referring to a mathematical procedure or process itself, like addition or subtraction, rather than its outcome.

Examples

La multiplicación es una operación básica.

Multiplication is a basic operation.

Cálculo vs. Cuenta

Learners often confuse 'cálculo' and 'cuenta'. Remember that 'cálculo' is typically for a numerical result or a mathematical process, while 'cuenta' is more about the act of counting or keeping track, often losing that specific mathematical precision.

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