<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- DFIN ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2022-02-11T01:26:51.9469823+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 5.0.1.728 -->
<!-- Package ID         : 0e7f0e98f20f476e851e2b7782b355d7 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2022 Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/role/TemplateLink" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfFinancialCondition" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfFinancialCondition" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfFinancialCondition">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidTaxes" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidTaxes" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonValue" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Assets" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Assets" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Assets" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Assets" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Assets" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Assets" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Assets" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Assets" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidTaxes" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServiceExcludingDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServiceExcludingDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServiceExcludingDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermOperatingLeaseLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermOperatingLeaseLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidTaxes" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidTaxes" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_AmortizationOfRightOfUseAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_AmortizationOfRightOfUseAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForSoftware" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForSoftware" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAssetsInvestingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAssetsInvestingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsIncludingDisposalGroupAndDiscontinuedOperations" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAssetsInvestingActivities" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForSoftware" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="msci_AmortizationOfRightOfUseAssets" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidTaxes" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="msci_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermOperatingLeaseLiabilities" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerCommonShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEPSDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureEarningsPerCommonShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEPSDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerCommonShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEPSDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsComponentsOfPreliminaryPurchasePriceAllocationDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsComponentsOfPreliminaryPurchasePriceAllocationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsComponentsOfPreliminaryPurchasePriceAllocationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLongTermOperatingLeaseLabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLongTermOperatingLeaseLabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRightOfUseAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRightOfUseAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="msci_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRightOfUseAssets" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="msci_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLongTermOperatingLeaseLabilities" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesSummaryOfFutureMinimumCommitmentsUnderOperatingLeasesDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureLeasesSummaryOfFutureMinimumCommitmentsUnderOperatingLeasesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesSummaryOfFutureMinimumCommitmentsUnderOperatingLeasesDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesSummaryOfFutureMinimumCommitmentsUnderOperatingLeasesDetail2" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureLeasesSummaryOfFutureMinimumCommitmentsUnderOperatingLeasesDetail2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesSummaryOfFutureMinimumCommitmentsUnderOperatingLeasesDetail2">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetScheduleOfPropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosurePropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetScheduleOfPropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetScheduleOfPropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNetDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_ComputerAndRelatedEquipmentGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_ComputerAndRelatedEquipmentGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:to="msci_ComputerAndRelatedEquipmentGross" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressGross" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNetScheduleOfGrossCarryingAndAccumulatedAmortizationAmountsRelatedToCompanySIntangibleAssetsDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNetScheduleOfGrossCarryingAndAccumulatedAmortizationAmountsRelatedToCompanySIntangibleAssetsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNetScheduleOfGrossCarryingAndAccumulatedAmortizationAmountsRelatedToCompanySIntangibleAssetsDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationExcludingForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationExcludingForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetExcludingAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetExcludingAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" order="11030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:to="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:to="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetExcludingAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:to="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" order="11070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetExcludingAccumulatedForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" xlink:to="msci_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortizationExcludingForeignExchangeTranslationAdjustment" order="11080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNetEstimatedAmortizationExpenseForSucceedingYearsDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNetEstimatedAmortizationExpenseForSucceedingYearsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNetEstimatedAmortizationExpenseForSucceedingYearsDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesBenefitsByTaxingJurisdictionDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesBenefitsByTaxingJurisdictionDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesBenefitsByTaxingJurisdictionDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfUSFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateToEffectiveTaxRateDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfUSFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateToEffectiveTaxRateDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfUSFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateToEffectiveTaxRateDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationForeignDerivedIntangibleIncomeNetOfGlobalIntangibleLowTaxedIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationForeignDerivedIntangibleIncomeNetOfGlobalIntangibleLowTaxedIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:to="msci_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationForeignDerivedIntangibleIncomeNetOfGlobalIntangibleLowTaxedIncome" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsPensions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsPensions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetInterestCarryforward" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetInterestCarryforward" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_DeferredTaxAssetsLeaseLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_DeferredTaxAssetsLeaseLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesRightOfUseAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesRightOfUseAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:to="msci_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesRightOfUseAssets" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:to="msci_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsNet" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:to="msci_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalizedCost" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredIncome" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:to="msci_DeferredTaxAssetsLeaseLiabilities" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetInterestCarryforward" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsPensions" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfComponentsOfIncomeBeforeProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfComponentsOfIncomeBeforeProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSummaryOfComponentsOfIncomeBeforeProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationSegmentProfitabilityAndReconciliationToNetIncomeDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureSegmentInformationSegmentProfitabilityAndReconciliationToNetIncomeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationSegmentProfitabilityAndReconciliationToNetIncomeDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_MultiYearPSUsGrantPayrollTaxExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_MultiYearPSUsGrantPayrollTaxExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCostsAndTransactionCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCostsAndTransactionCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_ImpairmentRelatedToSubleaseOfLeasedProperty" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_ImpairmentRelatedToSubleaseOfLeasedProperty" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Depreciation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#msci_OperatingSegmentProfitability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="msci_OperatingSegmentProfitability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:to="msci_OperatingSegmentProfitability" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:to="us-gaap_Depreciation" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:to="msci_ImpairmentRelatedToSubleaseOfLeasedProperty" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:to="msci_BusinessCombinationIntegrationRelatedCostsAndTransactionCosts" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:to="msci_MultiYearPSUsGrantPayrollTaxExpense" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="-1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureQuarterlyResultsOfOperationsSummaryOfQuarterlyResultsOfOperationsDetail" xlink:href="msci-20211231.xsd#Role_DisclosureQuarterlyResultsOfOperationsSummaryOfQuarterlyResultsOfOperationsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.msci.com/20211231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureQuarterlyResultsOfOperationsSummaryOfQuarterlyResultsOfOperationsDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Depreciation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
    <link:calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:to="us-gaap_Depreciation" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" weight="1.00" />
  </link:calculationLink>
</link:linkbase>
