Totalling or Totaling? Stop the Confusion Now!

If you’ve ever been confused about whether to use totalling or totaling, you’re not alone. The difference between these spellings depends on where you are. In British English, the word contains a double “l,” while American English has dropped one. This follows a pattern where British spellings stick to their original forms, while American versions often drop extra letters.

The spelling choice might seem like a small detail, but it tends to make a big impact, especially in professional writing. When I first learned about this, I had to look twice to see the subtle shift, and it made me want to dig deeper into why English varies by region. If you’re adding up numbers or calculating figures, both words mean the same thing, but it’s right to use the version that matches your audience. 

Despite this, many still confuse the two, and it takes effort to stay on the track of correct usage. The best approach is to manage your choice based on your location or the preferences of the person reading your work. Let’s say you want to be precise—paying attention to these small details is a skill that makes a bit of a difference. If you ever need to delve into English rules individually, knowing the reason behind variations like this helps you communicate more effectively.

What do “Totalling” and “Totaling” Mean?

“Totalling” and “Totaling” have the same meaning, but their spelling differs based on British English and American English. Both words refer to adding numbers to get a total, while in an informal sense, “totaling” can also mean to wreck something beyond repair, especially vehicles. Despite these differences, both spellings are correct depending on the usage and application.

‘Totaling’ Meaning and Definition

In American English, the word totaling is commonly used to describe the act of adding up numbers or performing a mathematical addition to reach an amount. This word is the present participle of the verb “total” and is an important part of many calculations. The Oxford dictionary also elaborates on its second meaning, which is more informal. 

In this application, totaling can also mean to wreck or demolish something beyond repair, particularly in reference to vehicles. This case is often used in American media when talking about cars that have been severely damaged. The process of deciding whether a car is “totaled” involves evaluating whether the cost of repair is higher than the sum of its value.

‘Totalling’ Meaning and Definition

In British English, the spelling totalling is preferred, but the meaning remains the same. This spelling pertains to the same action of combining numbers and performing addition to reach a final total. The Oxford dictionary supports this version and explains that it serves as the present participle of “total.” 

The differences in spelling between British and American English are common, but they do not affect the form or function of the word. In both cases, it is used in a mathematical sense and in general usage. This version of the word also involves a particular structure in writing where the continuous action of reaching a total is emphasized. Whether you are reaching an amount in business, finances, or everyday calculations, both spellings work equally well depending on the audience.

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“Totalling” vs. “Totaling”: Key Difference?

The difference between totalling and totaling is mainly in spelling and preference based on regional variations. In British English, the word is spelled as totalling, while American English prefers totaling with a single “l.” This distinction follows typical linguistic patterns where British spellings retain the double consonant, and American spellings simplify them. 

This style difference is widely accepted in professional writing and everyday use. Whether you are a writer preparing a report or part of a team following a particular convention, the right choice depends on the norms you adhere to.

The meaning of both words remains the same—they refer to adding up values or calculating a total. However, in some contexts, especially in American English, totaling can also mean to wreck something beyond recovery, such as a car or a trailer. 

This informal use is common in the media, particularly when describing accidents. Whether you are dealing with expenses, savings, or any mathematical process, both forms serve the same purpose. Understanding the adherence to spelling rules helps avoid any mismatch in formal communication.

Comparison Table

Why is there Confusion Between “Totalling” and “Totaling”?

The difference between totalling and totaling comes from a change that American English underwent in the early 20th century to make spelling simpler. While British English kept the double “l,” much like in travelling, American English chose to remove one, just as in traveling. This shift spread across the world, and many people encountered both versions, leading to confusion about which is correct. 

Trick to Get Rid of Confusion

A simple trick to remember is to think of totalling like the British currency, the shilling, as both have a double “l.” Since both spellings are acceptable, it’s best to follow the words used in the region you’re writing for. These spelling differences affect many verbs and continue to influence modern English.

Synonyms of “Totalling” or “Totaling”

For Mathematical Addition:

• Summing
• Adding up
• Calculating
• Computing
• Counting
• Accumulating
• Aggregating
• Tallying
• Reckoning

For Reaching a Final Amount:

• Amounting to
• Resulting in
• Yielding
• Equating to

For Destroying Beyond Repair (American English Usage):

• Wrecking
• Demolishing
• Smashing
• Ruining
• Devastating
• Shattering

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Totalling and Totaling: Usage in Sentences

Totalling:

• The scientist spent hours totalling the results of his experiments in the laboratory.
• The court recorded all the cases, totalling over a hundred legal disputes this year.
• The company reported earnings of £5 million, with total revenue totalling much higher.
• The government conducted a census, with the population totalling in the millions.
• The HMS Association led a fleet of fifteen ships, with damage totalling millions in losses.
• The Cambridge Dictionary contains linguistic references totalling thousands of words.
• The historians documented events from the 1636 period, with books totalling over a thousand pages.
• The business tracked its sales, with the final figures totalling more than expected.
• The researchers studied the forest habitat, with observations totalling several weeks.
• The accountant reviewed all transactions, totalling the company’s annual profits.
• The ministers addressed national concerns, with their discussions totalling over five hours.
• The restaurant manager checked the day’s income, with totalling figures confirming a rise in profits.
• The employees submitted their timesheets, with their working hours totalling nearly a thousand.
• The Cambridge University Press published new studies, with research totalling decades of work.
• The report on rheumatic diseases included data totalling over twenty years of study.
• The scientists analyzed temperature changes, with reports totalling various weather patterns.
• The book covered multiple topics, with references totalling hundreds of sources.
• The audit revealed a double counting issue, with errors totalling millions in losses.
• The partitions in the experiment were assessed, with sections totalling the required amount.
• The branches of the trees were counted, with inflorescences totalling thousands across the region.

Totaling:

• The accountant spent the day totaling the company’s annual expenses for tax reporting.
• The coalition of local farmers received funding totaling $15 million to support agricultural projects.
• The government allocated resources for renovations of the 73,000-seat stadium, totaling millions of dollars.
• The wedding planner was busy totaling the costs of the ceremony and reception to stay within budget.
• The grant from Lilly Endowment to Purdue University was totaling $100 million for research initiatives.
• The damage from Hurricane Katrina led to reconstruction costs totaling in the billions.
• The football player from Orange recorded 37 tackles in 12 games, totaling an impressive season.
• USA TODAY reported that companies were totaling their financial losses due to the economic downturn.
• The budget report from Forbes estimated costs totaling more than $20 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
• The construction of new roads and public transport projects was totaling an estimated 120,000 work hours.
• The class admissions for Penn, NYU, and Yale reached record numbers, totaling over 59,000 applications.
• Michael T. Nietzel from Detroit Free Press analyzed grant funding totaling millions for Michigan Grown programs.
• The recent crime wave, as noted by Orlando Sentinel, involved thefts and fraud cases totaling millions in losses.
• David Faris from Newsweek reported on real estate investments totaling over 5 million pesos in urban developments.
• The athlete’s performance included 2 interceptions and 6 tackles for loss, totaling an outstanding defensive season.

Conclusion

The difference between totalling and totaling is a matter of spelling based on regional usage, but both words serve the same purpose—calculating a total. Whether in financial reports, sports statistics, construction costs, or academic research, the act of totaling or totalling values remains crucial in various fields. Understanding the context in which each spelling is preferred, such as British English favoring totalling and American English using totaling, helps maintain clarity in communication. No matter which spelling is used, the concept remains the same—adding up numbers to reach a final sum.

FAQs

Totaled/totaling vs. totalled/totalling? 

The difference between totaled and totalled, or totaling and totalling, comes down to spellings in different varieties of English. In American English, the preferred form is totaled and totaling, using only one l, while in other English-speaking regions outside the U.S., the participles follow the traditional pattern with two l’s, as seen in totalled and totalling. 

This transition began in the early 20th century, when many verbs ending in “l” underwent a similar change in American English, making the shorter version more common. Despite these differences, both versions are correct depending on regional preferences and usage.

Ronnie Dawson

A communication coach with a background in public speaking and business English. He helps professionals refine their English for workplace success.