Totalling or Totaling: Which Spelling to Use?

When it comes to spelling certain words in English, the choice between “totalling” and “totaling” can be a bit confusing. Both are used to refer to the act of calculating or summing up numbers, but the difference lies in the regional variations. In this article, we’ll explore which spelling to use and provide scenarios to help you understand when and where to use each form.

Understanding the Difference: Totaling vs Totalling

To begin, totaling and totalling are two forms of the same word, and they both share the same meaning: to sum up or add up numbers or quantities. However, the difference comes down to the spelling conventions used in American and British English.

• Totaling is the preferred spelling in American English.
• Totalling is the preferred spelling in British English.

Let’s break this down further.

Totaling: The American Preference

In American English, words that end in -l often follow a consistent pattern of doubling the “l” before adding suffixes like -ing or -ed. As a result, totaling is the correct spelling when referring to the act of summing up values or calculating totals.

Example Scenario:

You receive an email from your colleague, Emma, who works in accounting in a US-based company.

Subject: Totaling the Quarterly Budget

Hi John,
I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been totaling the numbers for the quarterly budget, and I believe we are on track to meet our goals for the next fiscal year. The final figure comes to $5.4 million.

I’ve attached a breakdown of the totals for your review. Let me know if you need any further details.
Best regards,
Emma

In this example, Emma uses “totaling” as per American spelling conventions. Notice how she refers to the sum of the quarterly budget using the American spelling.

Totalling: The British Preference

On the other hand, British English tends to follow a different convention where the “l” is doubled when forming words like totaling. Thus, in countries like the UK, totalling is the preferred spelling.

Example Scenario:

Now imagine you are working with a colleague named Michael who is based in London.

Subject: Totalling the Project Costs

Hi Sarah,
I’ve been totalling the project costs for the upcoming construction site, and the current estimate stands at £3.8 million. I’ve attached the spreadsheet with the details for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Michael

In this case, Michael uses “totalling” according to the British spelling rules. Even though both sentences refer to the same process of summing up costs, totalling is the form that fits the British English standard.

Totaling Meaning

When we talk about totaling, we’re simply referring to the process of adding numbers together to get a final sum or total. This could be done in various contexts, from accounting to basic arithmetic. The word implies a final calculation or sum of parts, often used in financial statements, reports, and daily tasks.

Synonyms for Totaling

The word totaling has a number of synonyms depending on the context in which it is used. Some of the common synonyms include:

• Summing
• Adding up
• Calculating
• Tallying
• Reckoning

These words can be used interchangeably based on the situation, but all of them convey the same totaling meaning: the act of combining numbers or values to find a final figure.

Example:
We are adding up the totals for this month’s expenses.
I’ve been reckoning the amounts for our quarterly report.

Totalling Everything: A Broader Context

Sometimes, the phrase “totaling everything” is used in a broader context. For example, you might be involved in an audit or inventory process where everything needs to be added together, from sales to expenses.

Scenario Example:

Let’s say you’re working with your manager, Clara, to finalize the monthly reports.

Subject: Finalizing the Monthly Reports

Dear Jake,
I’ve finished totaling everything for this month’s financial report. The total revenue is $12.5 million, and after subtracting the expenses, the net profit is $7.8 million.

I’ve sent you the full report for your review. Let me know if you need anything else.
Best regards,
Clara

In this email, Clara uses “totaling everything” to imply that she has added up all the values and figures involved. This could mean revenue, expenses, and profits all combined to give the final result.

Synonyms for “Totaling Everything”

If you’re looking for a synonym for “totaling everything,” you might want to use:

• Adding everything up
• Summing everything
• Calculating everything
• Tallying everything

These phrases convey a similar meaning but might sound a bit less formal or more specific depending on the context.

Common Errors with Totaling and Totalling

While the spelling difference between “totaling” and “totalling” can be confusing, it’s also common to see people use the wrong spelling for the wrong audience. For example, if you’re writing a report in American English but use the British spelling “totalling,” your writing might seem inconsistent to an American reader. Likewise, the opposite holds true for British readers using the American “totaling” in their documents.

Remember:

• Use “totaling” in American English contexts.
• Use “totalling” in British English contexts.

Totaling Example: Real-Life Use Cases

Let’s consider some more real-life examples to illustrate both totaling and totalling in action.

1. Email Example (Totaling in American English):

Subject: Totaling Sales Figures for Q1

Hi Lisa,
I’m totaling the sales figures for the first quarter, and I will send you the summary by the end of the day. I expect the total to be around $150,000 based on the preliminary data.

Best,
Tom

In this case, Tom is working with sales numbers and uses “totaling” in an American English context.

2. Email Example (Totalling in British English):

Subject: Totalling the Annual Budget

Dear Paul,
I’ve been totalling the expenses for this year’s budget, and we seem to be on track. The total comes to £1.2 million.

Let me know if you need any more information.
Best,
Ruth

In this British English example, Ruth uses “totalling” to refer to the sum of expenses, adhering to UK spelling conventions.

The Verdict: Totaling or Totalling?

At the end of the day, the difference between totaling and totalling is simply a matter of regional preference. Here’s a quick guide to help you:

Region	Preferred Spelling
American English	Totaling
British English	Totalling

Key Takeaways:

• Use “totaling” for American English contexts.
• Use “totalling” for British English contexts.
• Both terms mean the same: summing up or adding together numbers to get a final figure.
• Consider the audience and location of the readers when deciding which spelling to use.

By keeping these differences in mind, you can make sure your writing is accurate and tailored to your audience.

Whether you are preparing reports, writing emails, or doing any type of documentation that involves adding numbers, being aware of the correct spelling for totaling or totalling will help your communication appear more polished and precise. So next time you’re summing up the totals, remember which form fits your audience’s language preference!