recalculation
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪkˌælkjʊlˈeɪʃən/
US
- /riˌkælkjəˈleɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the act or result of calculating a number or amount again
a fresh computation of values by software or another digital system
a revised judgment or strategy after reconsidering the situation
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're planning a road trip. You map out the distance, estimate gas costs, and calculate how long it will take. Then, your friend decides to join, adding extra weight to the car and affecting fuel efficiency. You don't just guess at the new figures – you perform a recalculation!
A recalculation is simply the act of calculating something again, usually because information or conditions have changed. It's common in math, money matters, navigation (like GPS), and everyday life when we change plans based on new facts. A tax return might need a recalculation if you find an error. Your map app may also do recalculations as you drive to account for traffic.
A recalculation is the process of performing a calculation again, often after discovering an error or when new information becomes available. It's more than just re-doing the math; it implies a need for adjustment and accuracy. Think of it like refining a solution – you start with initial figures, identify something that needs to be corrected, and then rework the problem until you arrive at a revised result.
The context of usage is broad. In finance, a recalculation might involve adjusting loan payments because interest rates have changed. In engineering, it could mean reviewing structural designs based on new material properties. In computer science, algorithms often use recalculations to improve performance or respond to user input. Even in everyday life, we do mental recalculations all the time - estimating how much time is left before an appointment after hitting traffic, or adjusting a recipe when you realize you're out of one ingredient.
The word suggests precision and attention to detail. It's not simply about getting an answer, but about ensuring the answer is as accurate and up-to-date as possible given the current circumstances. A GPS device performing a recalculation after you miss a turn isn't just finding another route; it's re-assessing all available data to provide the most efficient path forward.
So, whether it's balancing your checkbook, navigating a complex project, or simply figuring out how much tip to leave at a restaurant, recalculation is an essential process for ensuring accuracy and adapting to change.
Examples
- 1
Spreadsheet error
A simple typo in the spreadsheet led to a recalculation of the budget.
- 2
Travel app
After a recalculation, the app showed that we would arrive twenty minutes later than expected.
- 3
Tax bill
The tax office sent a revised bill after a recalculation of her income for the year.
- 4
Staffing plan
Any change to the schedule may require a recalculation of costs and staffing levels.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business plans
The sudden drop in sales forced a recalculation of the company's expansion plans.
- Patternrecalculation of + plan/strategy
rethinking it after new information
See also
Similar
- recomputation
- revised calculation
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- original calculation
- estimate
Used with (collocations)
- recalculation of costs
- automatic recalculation
- tax recalculation
Word family
Explore
- verification
- rounding error
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- recalculationnoun