Then the bureau could calculate how many individuals were counted both times; how many in April, but not in July; how many in July, but not in April.

The bureau calculated that his total federal tax liability for that income was $2.3 million.

Since the bureau gives reports by metropolitan statistical area and calculates rates of crimes per 100,000 population, its figures are often seized upon as the basis for city-to-city comparisons of criminal activity.

Current jobless rates, some analysts argue, are effectively at the lowest level since 1973 because of a change two years ago in the way the bureau calculates the figures.

The bureau would then calculate how many individuals were counted both times, how many the first time but not the second time, and how many the second time but not the first.

The bureau, Mr. Shelly said, does not calculate its own number for compensation that would exclude the bonuses and mortgage commissions in the category of finance, insurance and real estate, where total compensation for private workers rose 6.7 percent last year.

The bureau calculates employment two ways.

Until June, the bureau had calculated the job loss during the 1990-91 recession at 1.2 million people.

The bureau calculates the credit not on the basis of the inmates' sentences, but on the time they are actually serving as the credits accumulate.

Apparel prices jumped six-tenths of a percent in October, reflecting temporary factors like the introduction of fall and winter clothes as well as changes in the way the bureau calculates clothing prices.