Total vs. Result — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
"Total" refers to the sum or whole amount, while "result" indicates the outcome or consequence of a process or action.
Difference Between Total and Result
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Total" represents the complete amount obtained by adding individual parts. For example, the total cost of a shopping trip includes the sum of all item prices. It emphasizes the aggregation of parts into a whole. In contrast, "result" refers to the outcome or consequence produced by a process or action. For instance, the result of an exam is the score or grade received. It focuses on what is achieved or produced after an event or activity.
While "total" is quantitative, highlighting the sum or entirety, "result" is qualitative, emphasizing the effect or outcome. For example, the total number of participants in a race is a count, whereas the result is who won or the time each runner achieved.
"Total" is often used in contexts involving sums, aggregates, or final counts. On the other hand, "result" is used in contexts involving processes, tests, or events that lead to specific outcomes or conclusions.
"Total" can also be used as an adjective to describe something complete or whole, like "total commitment," whereas "result" is commonly used as a noun to denote the consequence or final product of an action.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The sum or whole amount of something
The outcome or consequence of a process or action
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Focus
Aggregation of parts into a whole
Effect or outcome produced
Usage Context
Sums, aggregates, final counts
Processes, tests, events leading to outcomes
Quantitative/Qualitative
Quantitative
Qualitative
Example Sentence
E.g., "The total cost is $50."
E.g., "The result of the test was positive."
Compare with Definitions
Total
The sum of individual parts.
The total for all items is $100.
Result
The outcome or consequence of an action or process.
The result of the experiment was conclusive.
Total
The whole amount.
The total number of students is 500.
Result
A final product or effect.
Her hard work produced great results.
Total
Complete or absolute.
He showed total dedication to his work.
Result
The score or outcome in a competition.
The result of the match was a tie.
Total
The entirety of something.
The project was a total success.
Result
A result (also called upshot) is the final consequence of a sequence of actions or events expressed qualitatively or quantitatively. Possible results include advantage, disadvantage, gain, injury, loss, value and victory.
Total
Sum calculated by addition.
The total score of the game was 85-78.
Result
To happen as a consequence
Damage that resulted from the storm.
Charges that resulted from the investigation.
Total
Comprising the whole number or amount
A total cost of £4,000
Result
To end in a particular way
Their profligate lifestyle resulted in bankruptcy.
Total
Complete; absolute
A total stranger
It is a matter of total indifference to me
Result
Something that follows naturally from a particular action, operation, or course; a consequence or outcome.
Total
The whole number or amount of something
In total, 200 people were interviewed
He scored a total of thirty-three points
Result
Results Favorable or desired outcomes
A new approach that got results.
Total
Amount in number to
They were left with debts totalling £6,260
Result
(Mathematics) The quantity or expression obtained by calculation.
Total
Damage (something, typically a vehicle) beyond repair; wreck
He almost totalled the car
Result
To proceed, spring up or rise, as a consequence, from facts, arguments, premises, combination of circumstances, consultation, thought or endeavor.
Total
An amount obtained by addition; a sum.
Result
To have as a consequence; to lead to; to bring about
This measure will result in good or in evil.
Total
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
Result
(legal) To return to the proprietor (or heirs) after a reversion.
Total
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.
Result
(obsolete) To leap back; to rebound.
Total
Complete; utter; absolute
Total concentration.
A total effort.
A total fool.
Result
That which results; the conclusion or end to which any course or condition of things leads, or which is obtained by any process or operation; consequence or effect.
The result of a course of action;
The result of a mathematical operation
Total
To determine the total of; add up
They totaled the applications at 600.
Result
The final product, beneficial or tangible effect(s) achieved by effort.
Total
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
Result
The decision or determination of a council or deliberative assembly; a resolve; a decree.
Total
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
Result
(obsolete) A flying back; resilience.
Total
To add up; amount
It totals to $25.
Result
(sports) The final score in a game.
Total
An amount obtained by the addition of smaller amounts.
A total of £145 was raised by the bring-and-buy stall.
Result
(by extension) A positive or favourable outcome for someone.
Total
Sum.
The total of 4, 5 and 6 is 15.
Result
(UK) An exclamation of joy following a favorable outcome.
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.
Result
To leap back; to rebound.
The huge round stone, resulting with a bound.
Total
(used as an intensifier) Complete; absolute.
He is a total failure.
Result
To come out, or have an issue; to terminate; to have consequences; - followed by in; as, this measure will result in good or in evil.
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.
Result
To proceed, spring, or rise, as a consequence, from facts, arguments, premises, combination of circumstances, consultation, thought, or endeavor.
Pleasure and peace do naturally result from a holy and good life.
Total
(transitive) To add up; to calculate the sum of.
When we totalled the takings, we always got a different figure.
Result
A flying back; resilience.
Sound is produced between the string and the air by the return or the result of the string.
Total
To equal a total of; to amount to.
That totals seven times so far.
Result
That which results; the conclusion or end to which any course or condition of things leads, or which is obtained by any process or operation; consequence or effect; as, the result of a course of action; the result of a mathematical operation.
If our proposals once again were heard,We should compel them to a quick result.
Total
To demolish; to wreck completely. (from total loss)
Honey, I’m OK, but I’ve totaled the car.
Result
The decision or determination of a council or deliberative assembly; a resolve; a decree.
Then of their session ended they bid cryWith trumpet's regal sound the great result.
Total
(intransitive) To amount to; to add up to.
It totals nearly a pound.
Result
A phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon;
The magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise
His decision had depressing consequences for business
He acted very wise after the event
Total
Whole; not divided; entire; full; complete; absolute; as, a total departure from the evidence; a total loss.
Result
A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
They were trying to find a peaceful solution
The answers were in the back of the book
He computed the result to four decimal places
Total
The whole; the whole sum or amount; as, these sums added make the grand total of five millions.
Result
Something that results;
He listened for the results on the radio
Total
To bring to a total; also, to reach as a total; to amount to.
Result
The semantic role of the noun phrase whose referent exists only by virtue of the activity denoted by the verb in the clause
Total
To determine the total of (a set of numbers); to add; - often used with up; as, to total up the bill.
Result
Issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end;
Result in tragedy
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.
Result
Result in;
The water left a mark on the silk dress
Her blood left a stain on the napkin
Total
The whole amount
Result
What follows from a specific action.
As a result of the meeting, new policies were implemented.
Total
A quantity obtained by addition
Result
An answer obtained by solving a problem.
The result of the equation is 42.
Total
Add up in number or quantity;
The bills amounted to $2,000
The bill came to $2,000
Total
Determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
Total
Constituting the full quantity or extent; complete;
An entire town devastated by an earthquake
Gave full attention
A total failure
Total
Including everything;
The overall cost
The total amount owed
Total
Without conditions or limitations;
A total ban
Total
Complete in extent or degree and in every particular;
A full game
A total eclipse
A total disaster
Common Curiosities
What does "total" mean?
"Total" refers to the sum or whole amount of something.
Can "total" be used as an adjective?
Yes, "total" can describe something complete or whole, such as "total satisfaction."
Is "result" always a noun?
Primarily, yes, "result" is typically used as a noun.
Can "total" be a verb?
Yes, "total" can be a verb meaning to calculate the sum, e.g., "Total the expenses."
Can "result" refer to both positive and negative outcomes?
Yes, "result" can refer to any outcome, positive or negative.
What is an example of using "result"?
E.g., "The result of the vote was unexpected."
What is an example of using "total"?
E.g., "The total bill is $45."
What does "result" mean?
"Result" indicates the outcome or consequence of a process or action.
What is the main difference between "total" and "result"?
"Total" refers to the sum of parts, while "result" refers to the outcome of a process.
Does "result" imply a process?
Yes, "result" often follows a process or action.
Is "result" more quantitative or qualitative?
"Result" can be either but often emphasizes qualitative outcomes.
Does "total" imply completeness?
Yes, "total" implies the complete amount or entirety of something.
Can "total" refer to people?
Yes, e.g., "The total number of attendees was 200."
Is "total" more quantitative or qualitative?
"Total" is more quantitative.
Can "result" be used in scientific contexts?
Yes, e.g., "The experiment yielded significant results."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
