Totaling vs. Totalling: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Totaling" and "Totalling" both mean adding up to a total; the difference lies in American English preferring one 'l' and British English using two 'l's.
Key Differences
Totaling is the American English spelling used to describe the process of calculating a sum or total. Totalling is the British English version of the same word, with an extra 'l', reflecting the different spelling conventions between the two varieties of English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
When one is totaling figures, they are summing up amounts to find the aggregate. Similarly, when totalling, one is also summing up figures; it's simply a matter of spelling preference based on the variant of English being used.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
In a financial report in the United States, one might see "totaling" to describe the sum of expenses, whereas in the UK, the report would use "totalling" for the same purpose. Both convey the same action of adding up to a total sum.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Educational materials in the U.S. typically instruct students in the process of totaling numbers during math lessons. In the UK, the same materials would guide students in totalling numbers.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
The act of totaling or totalling a car in an accident means the same thing: the vehicle has been damaged beyond repair. The spelling difference does not change the unfortunate outcome of the situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
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Totaling and Totalling Definitions
Totaling
Totaling may describe the act of destroying something, such as a vehicle.
The crash left the car totaling in damages.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Totalling
Totalling can imply gathering or accumulating quantities.
Their efforts were totalling to a significant impact.
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Nov 08, 2023
Totaling
Totaling also refers to concluding or finishing with a specific amount.
The charity event ended, totaling impressive donations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Totalling
Totalling involves calculating the final amount of something.
The holiday expenses ended up totalling to a large sum.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Totaling
Totaling refers to adding amounts to calculate a total.
After totaling the receipts, the day’s sales were over $5,000.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Totalling
Totalling means adding up figures to reach a sum.
She spent the afternoon totalling invoices for the company.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Totaling
Totaling can mean the process of accumulating.
Miles totaling over a thousand were driven in the journey.
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Nov 08, 2023
Totalling
Totalling may also indicate extensive damage.
The flood left many homes totalling beyond repair.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Totaling
Totaling means summing up to a final amount.
The project's costs were totaling less than estimated.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Totalling
Totalling is used when expressing the summing up of a situation or account.
The accountant is totalling last quarter’s financial results.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Totaling
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totalling
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totaling
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totalling
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totaling
Complete; utter; absolute
Total concentration.
A total effort.
A total fool.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totalling
Complete; utter; absolute
Total concentration.
A total effort.
A total fool.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totaling
To determine the total of; add up
They totaled the applications at 600.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totalling
To determine the total of; add up
They totaled the applications at 600.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totaling
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totalling
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totaling
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Totalling
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can software autocorrect the spelling of totaling/totalling?
Yes, depending on the language setting, it might autocorrect to the preferred local spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Does the spelling change the pronunciation?
No, both are pronounced the same way.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
How can I remember which spelling to use?
Remember that American English generally uses simpler spellings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can using the wrong spelling affect academic or professional writing?
It might, depending on the standards and expectations of the institution or company.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Are totaling and totalling interchangeable?
Yes, they mean the same thing but are used in different English-speaking regions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Are there rules for when to use 'totaling' or 'totalling'?
It depends on whether you are using American or British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Is the meaning affected by the different spellings?
No, the meaning remains the same.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Will using 'totaling' in the UK be considered incorrect?
It may be marked as a spelling error according to British standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
No, they’ve evolved concurrently in different regions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Will English language learners be taught both spellings?
They might, depending on the comprehensiveness of the curriculum.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
In bilingual regions, which spelling is taught in schools?
It depends on the country and the predominant version of English taught there.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can using the wrong version affect search engine optimization (SEO)?
Potentially, as search algorithms may favor regional spelling in search results.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
In international publications, which form is preferred?
It depends on the publication's style guide and target audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Are both spellings found in English dictionaries?
Yes, but they’ll be marked as either American or British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Do the spellings have different verb tenses?
No, they represent the same verb tense.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Are there other words with similar American/British spelling differences?
Yes, such as 'travelling' (UK) and 'traveling' (US).
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Is 'totaling' or 'totalling' used in legal documents?
Yes, but the spelling will conform to the region’s legal standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Should I correct someone using the 'wrong' spelling?
It's not necessary unless it's important for consistency in a specific document.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Do Canadian and Australian English follow American or British spelling?
Canadian English often follows British spelling, while Australian English can vary.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Do newspapers use both spellings?
Newspapers will generally use the spelling appropriate for their audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 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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