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Totaling vs. Totalling — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
Totaling and totalling are both correct; "totaling" is American English, while "totalling" is British English. Both mean adding up to a total.
Totaling vs. Totalling — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Totaling and Totalling

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Key Differences

"Totaling" and "totalling" refer to the same action: the process of calculating the sum of various items or amounts. The difference lies in regional spelling preferences. "Totaling" is used in American English, which often simplifies spellings by omitting one 'l'. On the other hand, "totalling" is the preferred spelling in British English, which retains the double 'l' from the base verb "total."
When considering the grammar and usage of "totaling" and "totalling," both function identically. They are both present participles or gerunds of the verb "total." In a sentence, they can serve as an adjective or a noun, depending on the context. The spelling difference doesn't affect their grammatical role or meaning.
In educational contexts, it’s important to note these spelling variations between "totaling" and "totalling." American students and publications will typically use "totaling," while British educational materials will use "totalling." Both forms are correct within their respective varieties of English.
In international communication, awareness of these spelling variations is key. "Totaling" should be used when writing for an American audience or following American English guidelines. Conversely, "totalling" is appropriate for British audiences or when adhering to British English standards.
The choice between "totaling" and "totalling" should be consistent within a single document or piece of writing. Mixing American and British spellings can lead to inconsistency and may confuse readers. Writers should choose one form based on their target audience or style guide and stick with it throughout their work.
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Comparison Chart

Spelling Standard

American English
British English

Number of 'l's

One 'l'
Two 'l's

Common Use

US publications
UK publications

Pronunciation

Same
Same

Grammatical Function

Same (gerund/participle)
Same (gerund/participle)

Compare with Definitions

Totaling

Adding up: Calculating the sum.
The cashier is totaling the bill.

Totalling

Adding up: Calculating the sum.
The clerk is totalling the receipts.

Totaling

Constituting altogether: Forming a total amount.
The scores are totaling to 200.

Totalling

Accumulating: Gathering into a whole.
Debts are totalling rapidly.

Totaling

Accumulating: Gathering into a whole.
Expenses are totaling quickly.

Totalling

Constituting altogether: Forming a total amount.
The points are totalling to 150.

Totaling

Estimating a total: Calculating approximately.
He's totaling the expected costs.

Totalling

Resulting in: Leading to a total.
The repairs are totalling a high figure.

Totaling

Resulting in: Leading to a total.
The damages are totaling a large sum.

Totalling

Estimating a total: Calculating approximately.
She's totalling the potential expenses.

Totaling

An amount obtained by addition; a sum.

Totalling

"Totalling" is the preferred spelling in British English.

Totaling

The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.

Totaling

Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.

Totaling

Complete; utter; absolute
Total concentration.
A total effort.
A total fool.

Totaling

To determine the total of; add up
They totaled the applications at 600.

Totaling

To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.

Totaling

To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.

Totaling

To add up; amount
It totals to $25.

Totaling

Present participle of total

Common Curiosities

Does the meaning change with the spelling?

No, both spellings have the same meaning.

Which English dictionaries include "totalling"?

British English dictionaries, like the Oxford English Dictionary.

Are totaling and totalling interchangeable?

Yes, but use "totaling" for American English and "totalling" for British English.

Is "totalling" acceptable in American publications?

Typically, "totaling" is used in American English.

Do both forms have the same pronunciation?

Yes, both are pronounced the same way.

Is "totaling" or "totalling" used as a noun?

Both can be used as gerunds (noun form) in sentences.

Can I use "totaling" in British English?

It's not standard; "totalling" is preferred in British English.

Can "totaling" and "totalling" be verbs?

Both are present participles of the verb "total."

Do "totaling" and "totalling" have synonyms?

Yes, synonyms include adding up, summing, calculating.

Why does American English prefer "totaling"?

American English often simplifies spellings by dropping extra letters.

Is it important to be consistent with these spellings?

Yes, consistency is important for clarity and style.

Is "totalling" often used in American academic writing?

No, "totaling" is commonly used in American academic writing.

How do spell-checkers handle these variations?

Spell-checkers may flag one or the other, depending on the language setting.

Are these spellings used in other English varieties?

Other English varieties may lean towards British or American spellings.

Can "totaling" be an adjective?

Yes, it can describe a process, e.g., "totaling process."

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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.

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