do the math

USAGE SUMMARY

'do the math' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase when you are trying to urge someone to work out an equation or solve a problem, usually one that involves numbers. For example: "Let's see if we can figure out the answer to this math problem. Do the math!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You do the math.

The New York Times

Let's do the math.

The New York Times - Tech

2. Do the Math.

The New York Times

So, do the math.

The New York Times - Sports

So you do the math.

The New York Times

You can do the math".

The New York Times

Well, you do the math.

The New Yorker

"Everyone can do the math.

The New Yorker

He could do the math.

The New Yorker

"Do the math," he said.

The New York Times

Do the math, A-Rod".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do the math", ensure the context provides enough information for the listener or reader to perform the calculation or deduction. Avoid using it in situations where the necessary data is missing or ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "do the math" when the situation doesn't involve numerical calculations or logical deductions. It's an idiom best suited for scenarios where a straightforward calculation leads to an obvious conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do the math" serves as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to perform a calculation or logical deduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples show its application across diverse scenarios where a conclusion can be reached through simple arithmetic or reasoning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do the math" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to encourage someone to perform a calculation or logical deduction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered correct and usable in written English. While its register is generally neutral, it leans toward informality and is most frequently found in news and media sources. Alternatives such as "calculate it yourself" or "figure it out" can be used depending on the context. Remember that while widely used, this phrase is best suited for scenarios involving numbers or logical steps and may not be appropriate in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run the numbers

This alternative specifically refers to analyzing numerical data to reach a conclusion.

make the calculation

A more formal and explicit instruction to perform a calculation.

put two and two together

Implies that the answer should be obvious if the available information is combined.

calculate it yourself

This is a more direct and less idiomatic way of telling someone to perform the calculation.

work it out

Similar to "figure it out", this suggests a process of solving a problem, potentially with calculations.

figure it out

This is a broader term that suggests deduction or problem-solving, not necessarily involving numbers.

compute the result

This is a technical and formal way to say "do the math", often used in scientific or mathematical contexts.

draw your own conclusions

This phrase emphasizes inference and judgment based on the presented information, rather than explicit calculation.

determine the outcome

This is a less specific phrase, suggesting the discovery of a result rather than the explicit calculation.

assess the situation

This phrase emphasizes evaluation and understanding, moving away from the purely mathematical aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "do the math" in a sentence?

You can use "do the math" to prompt someone to perform a calculation or make a logical deduction based on the information available. For example, "The cost of materials is $50, and labor is $100, so "do the math" and tell me the total cost".

What does "do the math" actually mean?

The phrase "do the math" is an idiomatic way of telling someone to perform a calculation or to figure something out by using the information provided. It implies that the answer should be relatively obvious once the numbers are crunched or the facts are considered.

What can I say instead of "do the math"?

Alternatives include "calculate it yourself", "figure it out", or "work it out", depending on the specific context.

Is "do the math" appropriate in formal writing?

While "do the math" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to use more direct phrases like "make the calculation" or "compute the result", which are more professional and less colloquial.