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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
calculates on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "calculates on" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not commonly used and may confuse readers; instead, consider using it in contexts where you mean to express reliance on calculations or data. Example: "The software calculates on the basis of the input data provided by the user."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
On the national equivalent vote share, which tends to be a good predictor of subsequent general elections, Labour looks likely to be one percentage point behind the Conservatives, Fisher calculates – on a par with 2011.
News & Media
Finally, you can browse a list of recommendations that Yahoo calculates on the songs you've rated highly using the Sansa's click wheel.
News & Media
Billy turns "his head to the window to completely seal himself off," and then turns back, asking, "How many people have you disappointed?" The kid fumblingly calculates on his fingers before replying: "I'll say eight.
News & Media
When he rides the train to London, he sees a man looking at a photograph of a naked woman in a tabloid newspaper and immediately calculates, on the basis of the number of newspapers that publish such pictures, "the number of British women happy to take their clothes off for money per annum".
News & Media
The first thing a politician calculates, on any issue, is whether their decision will play well to their voters.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
During model solving, HYSYS simulation environment calculates on-line the thermo-physical properties.
Equation 4 calculates on-hand inventory of both products at the warehouse as well as Equation 5 for the unsatisfied demands.
In order to achieve that, TAPIOCA calculates on-the-fly the optimal erasure code to be used, video data unit by video data unit, under a given bitrate constraint.
Science
Mayweather remained in control, calculated, on message.
News & Media
These are calculated on Soviet output levels.
News & Media
It is calculated on a sliding scale.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using "calculates on" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives such as "calculates based on" or "calculates using".
Common error
Many writers mistakenly use "calculates on" due to its superficial similarity to other prepositions. Remember that "calculate" typically requires "based on" or "using" to specify the foundation of the calculation.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "calculates on" is typically intended to function as a verb phrase, where "calculates" is the verb and "on" is a preposition linking the verb to a basis or condition. However, Ludwig indicates that this phrase is not correct in standard English.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
67%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "calculates on" might seem intuitive, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig's analysis indicates that "calculates based on" or "calculates using" are much better alternatives. Usage is rare, and while it appears in both scientific and news contexts, it's best to avoid "calculates on" in favor of more standard phrasing. Always prioritize clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
calculates based on
Replaces 'on' with 'based on' to clarify that the calculation relies on something specific.
calculates using
Indicates that a specific method or tool is employed in the calculation process.
computes based on
Uses a synonym for 'calculates', offering a more formal tone while retaining the core meaning.
determines from
Shifts the focus to the act of finding a result rather than the process of calculation, implying a more conclusive outcome.
figures out based on
Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect of calculation, suitable for informal contexts.
estimates according to
Suggests an approximate calculation following certain guidelines or criteria.
derives from
Highlights the origin of a result, implying that it is logically or mathematically obtained from something else.
works out based on
An informal alternative to 'calculates' that conveys the idea of solving a problem to get a result.
arrives at based on
Focuses on the final result after a calculation or process.
assesses according to
Implies an evaluation or judgment based on calculations, often used in contexts requiring analysis.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "calculates on"?
Instead of "calculates on", you can use phrases like "calculates based on", "calculates using", or "computes based on" for clearer and more grammatically correct sentences.
Is "calculates on" grammatically correct?
The phrase "calculates on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It is better to use "calculates based on" or "calculates using".
How can I use "calculates based on" in a sentence?
What's the difference between "calculates on" and "calculates based on"?
"Calculates on" is not standard English. "Calculates based on" is the correct form, indicating that a calculation relies "based on" specific factors or data.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested