Total vs. Subtotal: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Total refers to the complete amount or sum of all parts, while Subtotal is an intermediate sum, not including all items or factors.
Key Differences
Total represents the whole, complete sum of a set of numbers or parts. In contrast, Subtotal refers to an intermediate, partial sum, usually calculated before adding all elements to reach the total.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
In accounting, the total is the final amount after all calculations are done. Subtotal, however, is used to represent the sum of a particular group of items before combining them into the grand total.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Total is often used in various contexts, from mathematics to everyday situations, implying the sum of everything counted. Subtotal is more specific, typically used in financial statements or invoices to sum up categories of items.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
The term total concludes a calculation or a list, representing the end result. Subtotal, on the other hand, is used partway through calculations, providing a temporary sum.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
In data analysis, total represents the sum of all data points. Subtotal, however, might represent the sum of a subset of data points, used to analyze specific segments before considering the entire dataset.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
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Total and Subtotal Definitions
Subtotal
Sum of a category of items.
The subtotal for hardware items is listed separately.
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Dec 06, 2023
Subtotal
Used in partial analysis.
The report showed a subtotal for each department's expenses.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Subtotal
A temporary total in calculations.
The subtotal before taxes comes to $450.
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Dec 06, 2023
Total
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Total
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
Complete; utter; absolute
Total concentration.
A total effort.
A total fool.
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
To determine the total of; add up
They totaled the applications at 600.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Total
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
An amount obtained by the addition of smaller amounts.
A total of £145 was raised by the bring-and-buy stall.
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
Entire; relating to the whole of something.
The total book is rubbish from start to finish.
The total number of votes cast is 3,270.
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
(mathematics) (of a function) Defined on all possible inputs.
The Ackermann function is one of the simplest and earliest examples of a total computable function that is not primitive recursive.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Total
(transitive) To add up; to calculate the sum of.
When we totalled the takings, we always got a different figure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
To demolish; to wreck completely. (from total loss)
Honey, I’m OK, but I’ve totaled the car.
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
Whole; not divided; entire; full; complete; absolute; as, a total departure from the evidence; a total loss.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Total
The whole; the whole sum or amount; as, these sums added make the grand total of five millions.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Total
To determine the total of (a set of numbers); to add; - often used with up; as, to total up the bill.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Total
To damage beyond repair; - used especially of vehicles damaged in an accident; as, he skid on an ice patch and totaled his Mercedes against a tree. From total loss.
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
Add up in number or quantity;
The bills amounted to $2,000
The bill came to $2,000
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
Determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
Constituting the full quantity or extent; complete;
An entire town devastated by an earthquake
Gave full attention
A total failure
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Oct 19, 2023
Total
Complete in extent or degree and in every particular;
A full game
A total eclipse
A total disaster
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is 'total' always a monetary term?
No, 'total' can refer to any complete sum or amount, not just money.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is 'subtotal' always less than 'total'?
Yes, since it's a partial sum, it's always less than or equal to the total.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does 'total' include everything without exception?
Yes, 'total' typically includes every item or part in the calculation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can 'total' refer to a process of adding?
Yes, as a verb, it means to calculate the sum of.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can 'total' be a final verdict?
In a metaphorical sense, yes, it can imply a final, conclusive state.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can 'subtotal' be the final amount on some invoices?
Yes, especially if taxes or additional fees are not included.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can 'subtotal' be used in everyday language?
It's more common in financial contexts but can be used in daily situations for partial sums.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does 'subtotal' always require further addition?
Often, but not always. It depends on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does 'subtotal' imply division into categories?
Often, it's used to sum up individual categories before reaching the total.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is 'subtotal' used in programming or data analysis?
Yes, particularly in breaking down data sets into smaller sums.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can 'total' be used as an adjective?
Yes, to describe something complete or absolute.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does 'total' have a specific format in accounting?
Yes, it's often the final line in financial statements.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is 'subtotal' useful in segmenting data?
Yes, it helps in analyzing parts of a larger set.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is 'subtotal' used in mathematical problems?
Yes, especially in problems involving step-by-step calculations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can 'subtotal' be a standalone figure?
It can, especially in reports or analyses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does 'total' imply a comprehensive scope?
Yes, it encompasses everything within its context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does 'subtotal' help in understanding complex calculations?
Yes, by breaking down sums into smaller parts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can 'total' have different meanings in different fields?
Yes, its meaning can vary slightly depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is 'total' relevant in budget planning?
Yes, as it represents the entire amount of expenses or income.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 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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