'calculate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'calculare', where 'calculus' meant 'small stone' (used for counting).

'calculate' changed from Medieval Latin 'calculare' through Old French and Late Latin influence and eventually became the modern English word 'calculate' via Middle English adoption.

Initially, it referred to counting with small stones ('to count with pebbles'), but over time it evolved into its current sense of performing mathematical computation or reckoning.