Totalling or Totaling – Which Spelling is Correct and Why?

Ever wondered if you should write “totalling” or “totaling” in your documents? You’re not alone in this confusion.

This article clears up the spelling dilemma once and for all, explaining regional differences and helping you choose the right version for your audience.

Understanding the Meaning of “Totalling” and “Totaling”

What does “totalling” mean?

“Totalling” refers to the process of adding up numbers or items to find their sum. The term derives from the noun “total,” which represents the complete amount resulting from addition.

In British English, “totalling” (with two L’s) is the preferred spelling when using the present participle or gerund form of the verb “total.”

What does “totaling” mean?

“Totaling” carries the exact same meaning as “totalling” – it’s the act of calculating a sum or reaching an aggregate amount. This spelling variant with a single L is standard in American English.

Both spellings represent the same action of summing up values or quantities, but the spelling choice depends primarily on geographic location and audience.

Simple Answer

Both “totalling” and “totaling” are correct spellings of the same word. The difference is purely regional: use “totalling” (double L) in British English and “totaling” (single L) in American English. They have identical meanings – the process of adding up numbers to find their sum. Choose based on your audience’s location and be consistent throughout your document.

“Totalling” vs. “Totaling”: The Key Differences

The only meaningful difference between these terms is their regional usage:

• “Totalling” (double L): Standard in British English, used throughout the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many Commonwealth countries.
• “Totaling” (single L): Standard in American English, used throughout the United States and areas influenced by American spelling conventions.

This distinction follows the broader pattern of spelling variations between these two major English language standards, similar to “travelling/traveling” and “cancelling/canceling.”

Why Is There Confusion Between “Totalling” and “Totaling”?

The confusion stems from inconsistent rules about consonant doubling when adding suffixes.

In British English, when a word ends with a vowel followed by “l,” the “l” typically doubles when adding suffixes that begin with a vowel (like “-ing” or “-ed”).

American English simplified this rule, generally avoiding the double consonant except when the final syllable of the root word is stressed.

The growing global communication landscape means we’re increasingly exposed to both spelling variants, adding to the uncertainty many writers feel.

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

Choose your spelling based on these practical considerations:

1. Know your audience: Write for the people who will read your work.
2. Geographic location: Use “totalling” for UK, Australia, and Commonwealth audiences; use “totaling” for American audiences.
3. Publication standards: Follow the style guide of the publication, company, or institution you’re writing for.
4. Consistency: Whatever spelling you choose, use it consistently throughout your document.
5. Digital considerations: For search engine optimization, consider using the spelling most common in your target region.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Beware of these common errors:

• Mixing spelling conventions within a single document (using both “totalling” and “totaling”)
• Assuming one spelling is “wrong” or “incorrect” when both are valid in their respective regions
• Using British spelling (totalling) for American audiences or vice versa when formal writing is required
• Incorrectly pluralizing “total” as “totals” when referring to the verb form
• Confusing the verb (to total) with the noun or adjective forms (the total amount)

Synonyms and Alternative Words for “Totalling” and “Totaling”

When you need variety in your writing, consider these alternatives:

• Adding up
• Summing
• Calculating the sum
• Tallying
• Computing
• Reckoning (more old-fashioned)
• Aggregating
• Amounting to
• Coming to
• Reaching a sum of

Using “Totalling” and “Totaling” in Sentences

Examples of “Totalling” in a Sentence (UK English)

• The charity raised funds totalling over £10,000 during the weekend event.
• We submitted expense reports totalling £1,500 for the business trip.
• The supermarket receipt showed purchases totalling £87.62.
• Her volunteer hours are totalling more than 100 for this month alone.
• The damages caused by the storm are totalling millions of pounds across the region.

Examples of “Totaling” in a Sentence (US English)

• The company reported annual sales totaling $3.2 million.
• His credit card bills are totaling more than he can afford this month.
• The warehouse received shipments totaling 500 units last week.
• The festival attracted visitors totaling nearly 50,000 over three days.
• Budget cuts totaling $12 million will affect several departments.

Totalling vs. Totaling – Quick Comparison Table

	Totalling	Totaling
Spelling	Double ‘l’	Single ‘l’
Region	UK, Australia, Commonwealth	USA, Canada
Meaning	Adding to find a sum	Adding to find a sum
Pronunciation	Identical (/ˈtoʊtəlɪŋ/)	Identical (/ˈtoʊtəlɪŋ/)
Related forms	Totalled (past tense)	Totaled (past tense)
Style guides	Oxford, Cambridge	Chicago, AP
Digital presence	Common in UK websites	Dominant in global search

Historical Development of Regional Spelling Differences

The spelling divergence between “totalling” and “totaling” dates back to the early 19th century.

Noah Webster, the American lexicographer, intentionally established spelling reforms in his 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language.

These reforms aimed to make American English more logical and phonetic, often by simplifying what he viewed as unnecessary consonant doubling.

This deliberate differentiation has persisted for nearly two centuries, becoming firmly established in each region’s linguistic identity.

Digital Implications for Writers and Content Creators

Content creators face unique challenges in choosing between these spellings:

• Search engine algorithms may favor regionally appropriate spellings
• Global audiences might encounter either spelling, so clarity of meaning becomes paramount
• Some content management systems and spell-checkers default to one regional standard
• International businesses often need style guides specifying which spelling convention to follow

Consider your digital footprint when making spelling choices for online content, especially if search visibility matters to your goals.

Read Also: Cancelation or Cancellation? The Right Spelling Explained

Final Thoughts

Both “totalling” and “totaling” are perfectly correct spellings – your choice simply depends on your audience and region.

British English prefers “totalling” with double L, while American English uses “totaling” with a single L.

Neither spelling is inherently superior; they’re simply different conventions that evolved in separate geographic regions. The most important rule is consistency – whatever spelling you choose, use it throughout your entire document or website.

Remember that clear communication always matters more than spelling minutiae, but getting these details right shows attention to quality that readers appreciate.

What other spelling variations have you found confusing? Share your thoughts in the comments!