Meaning & Origin
“Crunch the numbers” means to analyze data carefully — running calculations and comparisons to understand costs, risks, or outcomes before deciding. The phrase spread with the rise of calculators and computers in finance and engineering, where machines “crunched” large batches of numbers.
Pronunciation Guide
- crunch — rhymes with “lunch.”
- the — usually pronounced “thuh” before a consonant sound.
- numbers — stress the first syllable: NUM‑bers.
- Natural rhythm: CRUNCH the NUM‑bers.
Usage & Sentence Examples
Use it when decisions depend on careful calculation, not guesses.
- We need to crunch the numbers before approving the budget.
- She crunched the numbers on our Q4 forecast and found two risks.
- After we crunched the numbers, option B was 12% cheaper.
- Let’s crunch the numbers on leasing versus buying the equipment.
- They’re still crunching the numbers to see if the deal pencils out.
- Before we choose a vendor, let’s crunch the numbers and compare total costs.
Synonyms
analyze the data · run the numbers · do the math · model the scenario · calculate · work out the figures · number‑crunch
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