Use of "compute" and "calculate"

Question

Possible Duplicate:
Difference between "computation" and "calculation"?

Speed is calculated/computed as distance per time.
Speed is a quotient ratio of distance and time.

"Calculated" and "computed" can be used interchangeably, can't they ? In the first and the second sentences, which one is correct?

did you mean :"Speed is a quotient/ratio of distance and time."? — Bogdan Lataianu, Aug 12 '11 at 13:50
I imagine the votes to close are because most dictionaries define these two words in very similar terms. This doesn't prove there's no difference between them. — FumbleFingers, Aug 12 '11 at 13:53
@Baby Dolphin You can add a comment and clarify what you meant with the second question. As it is now, quotient ratio is redundant. — Bogdan Lataianu, Aug 12 '11 at 14:05
@Bogdan Lătăianu: I didn't intend to endorse the apparent tautology, just correct the obvious typo. — FumbleFingers, Aug 12 '11 at 15:01

FumbleFingers · Accepted Answer · 2011-08-12T14:14:35.753

2

I was surprised to find that computed hasn't obviously become more common since computers became more widespread. In fact, calculated continues to be used more often... enter image description here

At first I thought they might even be a rare example of true synonyms, but there are "idiomatic" contexts where only one word is used.

does not compute sometimes means makes no sense (always in the negative).
calculate sometimes means think, consider, believe (with no arithmetic involved).

edited Aug 12 '11 at 14:14

answered Aug 12 '11 at 14:01

FumbleFingers

140,184
45
294
517

why is everybody except me ignoring the quotient/ratio thing? – Bogdan Lataianu Aug 12 '11 at 14:50
@Bogdan Lătăianu: Ah, well, I'm not really a mathematician. I can see there is such a thing as a quotient ratio method, but I'm not sure if there are any other meanings for ratio, such that it might make sense to specifically speak of a quotient ratio as opposed to some other kind. – FumbleFingers Aug 12 '11 at 17:19

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited Jun 15 '20 at 07:40

1

My local dictionary offers these definitions:

compute — calculate or reckon (a figure or amount)

calculate — determine (the amount or number of something)

So yes, they are entirely interchangeable.

edited Jun 15 '20 at 07:40

Community

1

answered Aug 12 '11 at 13:29

MrHen

35,747
32
124
264

Oops! I now regret upvoting, since realising there are idiomatic usages that only occur with one or the other. – FumbleFingers Aug 12 '11 at 14:18

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 12 '11 at 13:40

The meanings of compute are essentially:

calculate or reckon a figure or amount
make a calculation, especially using a computer
(informal, used with negative) seem reasonable; make sense

The meanings of calculate are:

determine the amount or number of something mathematically
determine by reasoning, experience, or common sense; reckon or judge
include as an essential element in one's plans

There is an overlapping between the meaning of the two words, and it is probable that many people don't use calculate only for a calculation made with a computer.

Use of "compute" and "calculate"

3 Answers3