Totaling vs Totalling: Which Spelling Is Correct?
Totaling and totalling are both correct spellings. The difference depends on the variety of English you use. Totaling is the preferred spelling in American English, while totalling is the standard spelling in British English. Both words mean adding numbers together to find the total or reaching a particular amount. Choosing the right spelling helps keep your writing consistent and professional.
What Does “Totaling” or “Totalling” Mean?
The verb total means:
- To add numbers together.
- To reach a final amount.
- To equal a particular sum.
Examples:
- The expenses are totaling more than we expected.
- The damages are totalling over £5,000.
- She is totaling the scores before announcing the winner.
- He spent the evening totalling the monthly sales.
The meaning stays exactly the same regardless of spelling.
Totaling vs Totalling: The Main Difference
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| totaling | totalling |
| totaled | totalled |
| totaling the bill | totalling the bill |
The only difference is the spelling convention.
American English usually keeps one l, while British English doubles the l before adding endings such as -ing and -ed.
Why Does British English Double the “L”?
British English commonly doubles the final l when adding a suffix to words ending in l, even if the last syllable is not stressed.
Examples:
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| traveling | travelling |
| canceled | cancelled |
| modeling | modelling |
| signaling | signalling |
| totaling | totalling |
This is a common spelling pattern rather than a change in pronunciation.
Why Doesn’t American English Double the “L”?
American English simplifies many spellings.
Instead of writing totalling, American English prefers totaling.
This spelling style also appears in words such as:
- traveling
- canceled
- labeling
- modeling
These forms are accepted by dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster.
When to Use “Totaling”
Use totaling when writing in American English.
Examples:
- The accountant is totaling the receipts.
- Our expenses are totaling nearly $2,000.
- She finished totaling the monthly report.
- The votes are totaling faster than expected.
This spelling is common in the United States.
When to Use “Totalling”
Use totalling when writing in British English.
Examples:
- The committee is totalling the final results.
- Repairs are totalling more than £800.
- She spent the afternoon totalling the invoices.
- Their donations are totalling over £10,000.
This spelling is standard in the United Kingdom and many other countries that follow British English.
Is One More Correct Than the Other?
No.
Both spellings are correct.
The important rule is consistency.
If you’re writing in American English, use totaling throughout your document.
If you’re writing in British English, use totalling consistently.
Avoid switching between the two spellings in the same piece of writing unless you are quoting another source.
Examples in Different Situations
Daily Conversation
American English:
- I’m totaling today’s grocery bill.
British English:
- I’m totalling today’s grocery bill.
School
American English:
- The teacher is totaling the exam scores.
British English:
- The teacher is totalling the exam scores.
Office
American English:
- She’s totaling last month’s expenses.
British English:
- She’s totalling last month’s expenses.
American English:
I am totaling the final invoice and will send it shortly.
British English:
I am totalling the final invoice and will send it shortly.
Social Media
American English:
- My travel costs are totaling way more than expected!
British English:
- My travel costs are totalling far more than expected!
Grammar Rule
When adding -ing or -ed to total, the spelling depends on the English style.
American English
- total → totaling
- total → totaled
British English
- total → totalling
- total → totalled
The pronunciation stays the same in both versions.
Common Mistakes
Mixing American and British Spellings
❌ The report is totalling $500.
✅ The report is totaling $500. (American English)
Why?
Dollar amounts often appear in American writing, where totaling is the expected spelling.
❌ The repairs are totaling £700.
✅ The repairs are totalling £700. (British English)
Why?
British English normally uses totalling.
❌ The report was totalled yesterday, but today we’re totaling new expenses.
✅ The report was totaled yesterday, and today we’re totaling new expenses. (American English)
Why?
Stay consistent with one spelling style.
❌ She is totalling the numbers for an American business report.
✅ She is totaling the numbers for an American business report.
Why?
Use the spelling that matches your audience.
Totaling vs Totalling Compared with Similar Words
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| totaling | totalling |
| totaled | totalled |
| traveling | travelling |
| canceled | cancelled |
| modeling | modelling |
| labeling | labelling |
These follow the same spelling pattern.
Quick Tips to Remember
- Totaling = American English.
- Totalling = British English.
- Both have the same meaning.
- Pronunciation does not change.
- Choose one style and use it consistently.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
- The accountant is __________ the invoices. (American English)
- The repairs are __________ more than £3,000. (British English)
- She __________ the expenses before lunch. (American English, past tense)
- They __________ the donations yesterday. (British English, past tense)
Multiple Choice
1. Which spelling is standard in American English?
A. Totalling
B. Totaling
C. Both only in British English
Answer: B
2. Which spelling is standard in British English?
A. Totaling
B. Totalling
C. Neither
Answer: B
Correct the Mistakes
- She is totalling the report for a US company.
Correct: She is totaling the report for a US company.
- The UK office is totaling today’s expenses.
Correct: The UK office is totalling today’s expenses.
Rewrite the Sentence
Rewrite using British English:
“The accountant is totaling the monthly sales.”
Answer:
“The accountant is totalling the monthly sales.”
Read Also: Cancelled or Canceled
Frequently Asked Questions
Is totaling correct?
Yes. Totaling is the standard American English spelling.
Is totalling correct?
Yes. Totalling is the standard British English spelling.
Do they have different meanings?
No. Both words have exactly the same meaning.
Which spelling should I use in academic writing?
Use the spelling required by your school, university, publisher, or style guide. Stay consistent throughout your work.
Is totaling wrong in the UK?
It is understandable, but totalling is the preferred British spelling.
Why is the letter “l” doubled in British English?
British English generally doubles the final l before adding -ing or -ed to many words ending in l.
Does pronunciation change?
No. Both spellings are pronounced the same way.
Conclusion
The choice between totaling vs totalling comes down to the version of English you are using. Totaling follows American English spelling, while totalling follows British English conventions. Neither spelling is more correct than the other. What matters most is using the version that matches your audience and keeping that spelling consistent throughout your writing.
