Use 'chalk up to' when pointing out the perceived cause of an event or situation. After seeing the poor results, he chalked it up to lack of preparation.
Pro Tip 2/3
Subjective Interpretation
Keep in mind that 'chalk up to' often reflects a personal interpretation or opinion. I chalked up his rudeness to stress, but it turned out he wasn't in a bad mood.
Pro Tip 3/3
Mild Dismissal
'Chalk up to' can imply a mild dismissal or acceptance of something as unchangeable. He chalked up the whole ordeal to fate and stopped worrying.