Totaling vs. Totalling: Difference and Comparison
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=50)
By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Published on July 31, 2024
"Totaling" is the preferred spelling in American English for summing values, while "totalling" is used in British English.
![Totaling vs. Totalling](/images/totaling-vs-totalling-14062.webp)
Difference Between Totaling and Totalling
"Totaling" is commonly used in American English to describe the act of adding up numbers or quantities to find a total. Whereas, "totalling" is the spelling variant used predominantly in British English.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
In written documents, "totaling" will often appear in American publications and official documents, while "totalling" is seen in texts from the UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
When it comes to educational materials, American schools teach the spelling "totaling" as part of their curriculum, on the other hand, British schools instruct students to use "totalling."
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
In digital spell-checkers and word processing software, "totaling" is generally marked as correct by default settings in American English settings, whereas "totalling" is accepted in systems set to British English.
![](/avatar/ae313c93dd6e27d7b02ef2c3d2277a73.webp?s=32)
Levi
Jul 31, 2024
Regarding usage trends, "totaling" has seen consistent use in American business, legal, and financial documents. On the other hand, "totalling" holds its ground in similar contexts within the UK and its influences.
![](/avatar/ae313c93dd6e27d7b02ef2c3d2277a73.webp?s=32)
Levi
Jul 31, 2024
Totaling vs. Totalling Comparison Chart
Digital Spell-check
Marked correct in US settings
Marked correct in UK settings
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
Usage Trends
Widely used in American English
Commonly used in British English
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
Totaling vs. Totalling Definitions
◉Totalling
To compute or calculate the total.
After totalling the costs, they realized the project was over budget.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
May 02, 2024
◉Totaling
To reach a total; sum up.
The campaign ended up totaling over three hundred thousand dollars.
![](/avatar/affabbb1ddf86a34c9a10cc77cd1f92b.webp?s=32)
Leo
May 02, 2024
◉Totalling
To constitute in number; total up.
The entries in the contest ended up totalling fifty.
![](/avatar/e94c640f6617b7c972b08f66c5142741.webp?s=32)
Elijah
May 02, 2024
◉Totaling
To add figures to find the total amount.
We spent the afternoon totaling up the sales figures.
![](/avatar/d3f8944e8d1f98dee9b9d0a1432920f6.webp?s=32)
Jonathan
May 02, 2024
◉Totalling
To add up the numbers or quantities to find the sum.
He spent the morning totalling the invoices.
![](/avatar/d3f8944e8d1f98dee9b9d0a1432920f6.webp?s=32)
Jonathan
May 02, 2024
◉Totalling
To assess the amount of damage or loss.
The company is still totalling the losses from the fire.
![](/avatar/a6bbbcf055177514dda9ea77a7145b57.webp?s=32)
Nolan
May 02, 2024
◉Totaling
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Totaling
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Totalling
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Totalling
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Totaling
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Totaling
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Totalling
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
![](/avatar/9a92bbf2630d5bb4535a9c27bc412a51.webp?s=32)
Henry
Apr 27, 2024
◉Totalling
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
![](/avatar/d3f8944e8d1f98dee9b9d0a1432920f6.webp?s=32)
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Totaling
To calculate the total of.
The accountant is totaling the receipts from last month.
![](/avatar/affabbb1ddf86a34c9a10cc77cd1f92b.webp?s=32)
Leo
May 02, 2024
◉Totaling
To destroy (used mainly in the context of cars).
The accident ended up totaling his new Porsche.
![](/avatar/438343ddd941eb8b019f1159ea9e898f.webp?s=32)
William
May 02, 2024
◉Totalling
To be equivalent to a specified amount.
The damage from the flood was totalling to thousands of pounds.
![](/avatar/e94c640f6617b7c972b08f66c5142741.webp?s=32)
Elijah
May 02, 2024
Totaling vs. Totalling Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference in pronunciation between "totaling" and "totalling"?
The pronunciation of "totaling" and "totalling" is generally the same, despite the spelling difference.
![](/avatar/9a92bbf2630d5bb4535a9c27bc412a51.webp?s=32)
Henry
Jul 31, 2024
In professional settings, which spelling should I use?
Use the spelling that aligns with the English variant followed in your professional setting (e.g., American companies typically use "totaling" while British companies use "totalling").
![](/avatar/affabbb1ddf86a34c9a10cc77cd1f92b.webp?s=32)
Leo
Jul 31, 2024
Can "totaling" and "totalling" be used interchangeably in academic writing?
In academic writing, it's best to stick to the spelling preferred by the style guide you are following, which is typically influenced by regional English norms.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
Are there any contexts where "totaling" and "totalling" mean different things?
No, both spellings mean the same thing and the only difference is regional preference in spelling.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
Which version of English is "totaling" used in other than American?
"Totaling" is specifically American English and not commonly used in other variants of English.
![](/avatar/121111c1e6649d6a6567e1c12c17223f.webp?s=32)
Kaitlyn
Jul 31, 2024
How should I spell "totaling/totalling" in an international publication?
For international publications, consider the audience or use the spelling recommended by the publication's style guide.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
What should I teach my students if I am an ESL teacher?
Teach the spelling consistent with the form of English your curriculum is based on, or teach both spellings if your students are expected to understand both American and British English.
![](/avatar/affabbb1ddf86a34c9a10cc77cd1f92b.webp?s=32)
Leo
Jul 31, 2024
What is the main difference between "totaling" and "totalling"?
"Totaling" is the American English spelling, while "totalling" is the British English spelling.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
What tools can I use to check if I'm using the right spelling for "totaling" or "totalling"?
Digital spell-checkers, online dictionaries, and style guides can help verify the correct regional spelling.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
How does the spelling change affect the meaning of contracts or legal documents?
The meaning in legal documents remains the same; however, consistent use of regional spelling is crucial for formal and legal consistency.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Jul 31, 2024
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
Neither spelling is more modern; they simply reflect different standardizations in American and British English.
![](/avatar/ae313c93dd6e27d7b02ef2c3d2277a73.webp?s=32)
Levi
Jul 31, 2024
Content Creators
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=100)
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=100)
Co-written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.