Have you ever noticed yourself thinking, “Is it totaling or totalling?” when you are in the middle of writing something? Undoubtedly a tricky question! A good number of people are confused about when to use –ing due to the fact that both versions are used by different people in different contexts. You’re about to learn when to use each version!
So it all comes down to ‘where do you live’, the difference between “totaling” and “totalling” is never ending. Some countries have one version, and other places differ. Correct spelling makes a difference and causes your piece of writing to look more sophisticated and professional.
In this information, everything has been simplified as much as possible. We will analyze the guidelines, the key difference between American English and British English, and assist you in choosing the correct word. Let’s clear the counting mystery once and for all!
Totaling or Totalling – What’s the Difference?
The primary distinction between “totaling” and “totalling” comes down to American vs. British English. This spelling variation isn’t just a random quirk—it follows specific linguistic rules based on how different regions modify words when adding suffixes.
- Totaling (with one “l”) is the preferred spelling in American English, aligning with simplified spelling conventions that often drop extra consonants.
- Totalling (with two “l’s”) is the standard spelling in British English, following the rule that final consonants in certain words double when a suffix is added.
This difference arises due to the way words ending in “-l” are treated when forming their present participle. British English tends to retain the traditional doubling rule, while American English streamlines spelling for consistency and simplicity.
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What Is “Totaling”?
Definition:
“Totaling” is the present participle of “total,” which means calculating the sum of something or reaching a final number. It is a fundamental action used in various scenarios, from finances to everyday math.
Usage in Sentences:
- The accountant is totaling the expenses for the month, ensuring all receipts are accounted for.
- After totaling the votes, we can declare the winner with absolute certainty.
- The damages are still totaling in the millions, with costs rising every day.
- The store manager is totaling the sales revenue to measure business performance.
- Before submitting the budget, she is totaling all projected expenses.
- The engineer is totaling the weight of the materials needed for the project.
Contextual Usage:
- Used primarily in American English.
- Common in financial, mathematical, and statistical contexts.
- Frequently seen in accounting, inventory management, and project planning.
- Appears in official reports, business documentation, and financial forecasts.
What Is “Totalling”?
Definition:
“Totalling” is the British English spelling of the same word, used with an extra “l.”
Usage in Sentences:
- The shopkeeper is totalling the day’s earnings.
- After totalling the points, they announced the winner.
- The company’s revenue is totalling an impressive figure this year.
Contextual Usage:
- Used mainly in British, Canadian, and Australian English.
- Found in formal writing, business documents, and everyday communication.
Key Differences Between “Totaling” and “Totalling”
| Aspect | Totaling | Totalling |
| Definition | The act of summing up in American English | The act of summing up in British English |
| Spelling Rule | One “l” before adding “-ing” | Double “l” before adding “-ing” |
| Common Usage | Used in the U.S. | Used in the U.K., Canada, and Australia |
| Grammar Role | Present participle of “total” | Present participle of “total” |
| Example Sentence | “He is totaling the receipts.” | “He is totalling the receipts.” |
Why Do People Confuse “Totaling” and “Totalling”?
Many people mix up these spellings because they are essentially the same word with regional spelling variations. Here are the top reasons for the confusion:
- American vs. British English Differences – Many words follow different spelling conventions in these dialects.
- Doubling of Final Consonants – British English tends to double consonants when adding suffixes.
- Interchangeability in Online Content – Globalization has led to both spellings appearing frequently in media and professional writing.
Read Also: Cancellation vs Cancelation: Which Spelling Is Correct? (Easy Guide)
Spelling Rules: Why Does British English Use “Totalling”?
In British English, verbs ending in a single vowel plus “l” double the “l” when adding a suffix like “-ing.”
Examples:
- Travel → Travelling
- Cancel → Cancelling
- Model → Modelling
- Signal → Signalling
- Marvel → Marvelling
- Equal → Equalling
This doubling rule ensures that the emphasis remains on the correct syllable when the word is pronounced. Without the double “l,” the pronunciation might shift, altering the natural rhythm of the language. That’s why British English sticks to “totalling” rather than “totaling.”
American English, however, simplifies spelling in many cases by not doubling the “l” when adding a suffix. This is why words like “totaling,” “traveling,” and “modeling” all drop the extra “l” in American usage. The difference may seem small, but it follows a systematic pattern across various words.
Synonyms & Antonyms
| Word | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| Totaling | Adding, Summing, Calculating | Subtracting, Deducing |
| Totalling | Aggregating, Counting, Accumulating | Dispersing, Dividing |
Totaled or Totalled – What’s the Past Tense?
Just like “totaling” and “totalling,” the past tense follows the same pattern:
- Totaled (American English)
- Totalled (British English)
Examples:
- The repair costs totaled $5,000. ✅ (American)
- The expenses totalled £2,000. ✅ (British)
Practical Tips for Writers: Which One Should You Use?
If you’re writing for an international audience, consider these tips:
- For American readers: Use “totaling” and “totaled.”
- For British, Canadian, or Australian readers: Use “totalling” and “totalled.”
- For mixed audiences: Choose one style and stay consistent throughout your document.
- In formal writing: Follow the style guide provided (e.g., AP Style prefers American spelling, while Oxford Style follows British rules).
- In creative writing: Stick to the spelling that aligns with your character’s nationality or the setting of your story.
- For academic or business writing: If your organization has a preferred style guide, always adhere to it to maintain consistency.
Final Thoughts
It’s much easier to choose between ‘totaling’ and ‘totalling’ when one is aware of the rule. In the United States, they utilize the spelling with one ‘l’, i.e., ‘totaling.’ But in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, they prefer the form ‘totalling’ with two ‘l’s.’ Both forms are accurate; it just relies on where you are!
The key feature is consistency in your writing. Therefore, if you decide to go with ‘totaling,’ use that throughout your composition. And in case you prefer ‘totalling,’ then you need to stick with that too. This makes your text polished and tidy.
Now that you are aware of the differences, you can correctly spell it out without issues. You can help spread the word by sharing this to those who appreciate writing and words if this guide has been beneficial for you.
