A calculation is a deliberate process for transforming one or more inputs into one or more results.

The term is used in a variety of senses, from the very definite arithmetical calculation using an algorithm to the vague heuristics of calculating a strategy in a competition or calculating the chance of a successful relationship between two people. Arithmetic tables for children, Lausanne, 1835 Arithmetic or arithmetics (from the Greek word αριθμός = number) is the oldest and most elementary branch of mathematics, used by almost everyone, for tasks ranging from simple day-to-day counting to advanced science and business calculations. ... Flowcharts are often used to graphically represent algorithms. ... For heuristics in computer science, see heuristic (computer science) Heuristic is the art and science of discovery and invention. ...

Multiplying 7 by 8 is a simple algorithmic calculation.

Estimating the fair price for financial instruments using the Black-Scholes model is a complex algorithmic calculation. Financial instruments package financial capital in readily tradeable forms - they do not exist outside the context of the financial markets. ... The Black-Scholes model, often simply called Black-Scholes, is a model of the varying price over time of financial instruments, and in particular stocks. ...

Statistical estimations of the likely election results from opinion polls also involve algorithmic calculations, but give results that are ranges of possibilities rather than exact answers. There are many different ways of discussing statistical estimation. ...

Deciding the best way to build a relationship with a member of the opposite sex may also result from a calculation, but is not definite, predictable, nor even clearly defined. This indefinite application of the term gives it a second area of meaning apart from the mathematical senses mentioned above. For other meanings of mathematics or uses of math and maths, see Mathematics (disambiguation) and Math (disambiguation). ...

To calculate means to ascertain by computing. The English word derives from the Latin calculus, which originally meant a small stone in the gall-bladder (from Latin calx). It also meant a pebble used for calculating, or a small stone used as a counter in an abacus (Latin abacus, Greek abax). The abacus was an instrument used by Greeks and Romans for arithmetic calculations, preceding the slide-rule and the electronic calculator, and consisted of perforated pebbles sliding on an iron bars. For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ... A Chinese abacus Calculating-Table by Gregor Reisch: Margarita Philosophica, 1508 For other uses, see Abacus (disambiguation). ...

See also

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