figure out the budget

Meaning

This expression means to calculate, plan, or solve the financial details of a project or business operation. It implies a process of thinking, analyzing, and finding a workable solution to financial limitations or allocations.

Examples

• We need to figure out the budget before we can hire any new freelance designers.

  We need to figure out the budget before we can hire any new freelance designers.

• The finance team spent all morning trying to figure out the budget for next quarter.

  The finance team spent all morning trying to figure out the budget for next quarter.

• Once we figure out the budget, we can decide which marketing channels to prioritize.

  Once we figure out the budget, we can decide which marketing channels to prioritize.

• It's hard to figure out the budget when software licensing costs keep changing.

  It's hard to figure out the budget when software licensing costs keep changing.

• Let's sit down this afternoon and figure out the budget for the annual conference.

  Let's sit down this afternoon and figure out the budget for the annual conference.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to calculate out the budget.

  ✓ We need to figure out the budget.

  'Calculate out' is redundant and unnatural. Use 'figure out' (informal/neutral) or simply 'calculate' (formal).

• ✗ I can't figure the budget.

  ✓ I can't figure out the budget.

  Without the particle 'out,' the verb 'figure' does not mean to solve or understand in standard modern English.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Before we sign the contract, we have to ___ for the entire project.

  💡 Calculate or plan the financial costs.

  Show answer

  figure out the budget

• The hardest part of planning this event is trying to ___.

  💡 Determine the financial limits and allocations.

  Show answer

  figure out the budget