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Glite Dictionary
to do the math

to do the math

71 4.4
Calculate the numbers to see if something is worth it
  • phrasal verb
  • /du ðə mæθ/
  • US
translation icon : hacer cuentas
  • Well, you do the math.
  • Just do the math
  • do the math in your head
  • let's do the math

And so I guess, yeah, do the math on that.

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Examples

  • Run the numbers, do the math.

    Two for the Money (2005)

  • Calculate the risks, do the math, and take big risks to see what happens.

    Blog text (9)

  • Let me do the math here real quick.

  • The problem is she did the math after putting up the sign.

  • And so I guess, yeah, do the math on that.

    Variety

  • So, you know, once I did the math, it made sense, you know?

  • If you do the math, that's over thirty grand a week in profit.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • The hundred years stated in Googan's comment is very realistic; when you do the math, here is an estimate.

    Blog text (2)

  • You do the math.

    Dicks: The Musical (2023)

  • If you take the time to do the math, you will see that the investment is worth it.

Synonyms

to figure out
vsto do the math
  • Informal
∞ 2.2

To think about something and find an answer or understand it

specifically uses numerical and cost analysis to reach feasibility conclusions
to calculate
vsto do the math
210 2.8

To work out an amount using maths or a calculator

adds practical decision focus about cost and feasibility beyond pure numbers
to work out
vsto do the math
122 2.8

To calculate a number or total from given facts

focuses on weighing costs and benefits to reach a decision
to compute
vsto do the math
58 4.0

To calculate numbers, often using a computer or calculator

applies analysis to real costs and benefits, not just machine calculations
to do the numbers
vsto do the math
1 4.8

To calculate the money and costs to see if something is affordable

is broader decision analysis about costs and benefits, not only finances

Antonyms

to ignore
∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

to overlook
243 2.9

To not notice someone or something you should see

How Thoroughly

to analyze
  • US
675 3.2
to do the math
  • US
71 4.4
to work out
122 2.8
to calculate
210 2.8
estimate
370 2.6

Surface Forms

do the math infinitive
did the math past
done the math past participle
doing the math present participle
does the math third person singular

Morphology

do + the + math

The meaning 'to calculate or analyze the facts' is directly derivable from combining 'do' (perform) with 'math' (mathematical calculation); a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer that this means perform the necessary calculations or reckon the numbers. The article 'the' is purely grammatical and the figurative extension (assessing costs/feasibility) follows naturally from the literal sense and is common across languages, making the phrase transparent.

Etymology

Do the math comes from the simple image of someone writing numbers and adding them up to see the result. So to do the math now means 'to calculate' or 'work out' the facts to decide if something is worth it.