Equaled vs. Equalled: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Equaled" and "Equalled" are both past tense forms of "equal," differing only in American (Equaled) and British (Equalled) spelling conventions.
Key Differences
"Equaled" is the American English spelling for the past tense of "equal," indicating that something was on par with something else in quantity, quality, or value. "Equalled," following British English conventions, serves the same grammatical function, but with an additional 'l' in the spelling.
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Dec 07, 2023
In American English, verbs ending in a vowel plus 'l' typically double the 'l' when adding endings that begin with a vowel, except in American English, which prefers a single 'l' as in "equaled." The British English form "equalled" doubles the 'l' before adding the past tense suffix '-ed', consistent with the general rule of British spelling.
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Dec 07, 2023
While "equaled" is the preferred form in American publications and writing, "equalled" is commonly seen in texts from the UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries where British English rules apply. This distinction in spelling does not affect the pronunciation or basic meaning of the word.
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Dec 07, 2023
The choice between "equaled" and "equalled" often depends on the intended audience or the style guide being followed. In international contexts, either form is generally understood, though "equaled" might be more commonly recognized due to the global influence of American English.
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Dec 07, 2023
In educational settings, "equaled" might be taught in American schools, while "equalled" would be taught in British, Canadian, or Australian schools, reflecting the respective spelling conventions of each English dialect.
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Dec 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Educational Teaching
Taught in American schools.
Taught in British-influenced schools.
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Recognition
More globally recognized due to American influence.
Recognized in Commonwealth countries and regions with British influence.
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Dec 07, 2023
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Equaled and Equalled Definitions
Equaled
To make equal in some respect.
The new policy equaled the playing field for all students.
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Equalled
To be the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.
His efforts equalled those of his teammates.
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Equaled
To reach the same level or standard.
He equaled his opponent in skill.
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Equalled
To amount to the same as something else.
The total costs equalled a small fortune.
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Equaled
To match or be equivalent to something.
Her performance equaled that of a professional.
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Equalled
To be comparable with in significance or effect.
The sequel never equalled the success of the original movie.
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Equaled
To be identical in value, amount, or meaning.
His score equaled the record.
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Equalled
To produce or achieve something equivalent.
His sales this quarter equalled the combined sales of the last two quarters.
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Equaled
To correspond to or be the same as.
Her donation equaled the largest ever received.
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Equalled
To achieve the same standard or level as someone or something else.
Her talent equalled that of her sister.
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Equaled
Having the same privileges, status, or rights
Citizens equal before the law.
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Equalled
Having the same privileges, status, or rights
Citizens equal before the law.
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Oct 19, 2023
Equaled
Being the same for all members of a group
Gave every player an equal chance to win.
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Oct 19, 2023
Equalled
Being the same for all members of a group
Gave every player an equal chance to win.
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Oct 19, 2023
Equaled
Having the requisite qualities, such as strength or ability, for a task or situation
"Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene" (Jane Austen).
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Oct 19, 2023
Equalled
Having the requisite qualities, such as strength or ability, for a task or situation
"Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene" (Jane Austen).
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Oct 19, 2023
Equaled
Similar to or the same as another, as in ability
As the playoffs began, the teams were considered roughly equal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Equalled
Similar to or the same as another, as in ability
As the playoffs began, the teams were considered roughly equal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Equaled
One that is equal to another
These two models are equals in computing power.
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Oct 19, 2023
Equalled
One that is equal to another
These two models are equals in computing power.
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Oct 19, 2023
Equaled
To do, make, or produce something equal to
Equaled the world record in the mile run.
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Oct 19, 2023
Equalled
To do, make, or produce something equal to
Equaled the world record in the mile run.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does "equaled" mean?
"Equaled" is the past tense of "equal," used in American English to indicate something was the same as something else in value, amount, etc.
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Dec 07, 2023
Why are there two spellings for the past tense of "equal"?
The difference in spelling reflects American and British English conventions.
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Dec 07, 2023
What does "equalled" mean?
"Equalled" is the British English spelling for the past tense of "equal," serving the same purpose as "equaled."
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Dec 07, 2023
Can "equaled" and "equalled" be used interchangeably?
They are generally interchangeable, but it's best to be consistent with one spelling style in a given document.
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Dec 07, 2023
Do "equaled" and "equalled" have the same meaning?
Yes, they have the same meaning and are just different spellings of the past tense of "equal."
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Dec 07, 2023
Should I use "equaled" or "equalled" in a formal presentation?
It depends on your audience and the spelling conventions you are following.
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Dec 07, 2023
How do you pronounce "equaled" and "equalled"?
Both words are pronounced the same way, regardless of spelling.
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Dec 07, 2023
In which countries is "equalled" the preferred spelling?
"Equalled" is preferred in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries using British English.
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Dec 07, 2023
Is "equaled" or "equalled" correct in academic writing?
Both are correct, depending on whether American or British English standards are being followed.
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Dec 07, 2023
Are there any grammar rules for choosing between "equaled" and "equalled"?
The choice is based on regional spelling conventions, not grammar rules.
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Dec 07, 2023
Is "equaled" accepted in British English?
While not standard, "equaled" can be understood in British English contexts.
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Dec 07, 2023
Do style guides recommend a specific spelling?
Style guides typically recommend using the spelling consistent with the variant of English being used (American or British).
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Dec 07, 2023
Are there any other words with similar American and British spelling differences?
Yes, many words have different spellings in American and British English, like "color" (American) vs. "colour" (British).
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Dec 07, 2023
Is "equaled" more common globally?
"Equaled" is more commonly recognized due to the influence of American English.
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Dec 07, 2023
Can the use of "equaled" vs. "equalled" affect the understanding of a text?
The choice of spelling is unlikely to affect understanding, as they mean the same.
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Dec 07, 2023
Do digital spell checkers recognize both spellings?
Most modern spell checkers recognize both spellings but may suggest one based on the language setting.
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Dec 07, 2023
In bilingual contexts, which spelling should be used?
It depends on the dominant form of English used in that context.
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Dec 07, 2023
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
The differences in spelling are not about modernity but rather about regional language evolution.
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Dec 07, 2023
Is "equalled" accepted in American English?
"Equalled" can be understood but is not the standard spelling in American English.
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Dec 07, 2023
Can using one spelling over the other impact the perception of professionalism?
Using the appropriate spelling for your audience and context is seen as more professional.
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Dec 07, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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