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How to Pronounce “calculate”

Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.

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American (US)
/ˈkælkjʊleɪt/
British (UK)
/ˈkælkjʊleɪt/

verb — To determine the value of something or the solution to something by a mathematical process.

Example: Calculate the square root of 3 to 10 decimal places.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈkælkjʊleɪt/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “calculate” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “calculate” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkælkjʊleɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

What does "calculate" mean?

calculate (verb): To determine the value of something or the solution to something by a mathematical process. For example — Calculate the square root of 3 to 10 decimal places.

How do you pronounce "calculate" in American vs British English?

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "calculate", /ˈkælkjʊleɪt/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.

What is the IPA transcription of "calculate"?

/ˈkælkjʊleɪt/ in American English, /ˈkælkjʊleɪt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "calculate"?

“calculate” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkælkjʊleɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

Browse the full word index or use the pronunciation tool.