Totalling or Totaling: Which Spelling Is Correct (and Why It Matters)

Language can be tricky, and even small words can cause confusion. One common example is totalling or totaling. Both spellings mean the same thing adding up numbers but the right version depends on where you are and who you are writing for. Knowing the difference makes your writing clear and professional.

Many people pause and wonder if totalling or totaling is correct. The choice comes down to English style: American or British. Using the right spelling helps readers understand your work easily. This guide will explain the rules, examples, and tips so you can confidently use totaling vs totalling every time.

What’s the Difference Betw een “Totaling” and “Totalling”?

The difference between totaling and totalling is regional. American English uses totaling, while British English prefers totalling, ensuring clear communication.

The difference comes from how spelling is handled in different parts of the world.

Form	Region	Example	Correct In
Totaling	American English	The damage was totaling $5,000.	U.S., Canada
Totalling	British English	The losses were totalling £3,000.	U.K., Australia, New Zealand

It’s not a matter of being correct or incorrect—what matters is your location and your audience.

Simple rule: use “Totaling” for American English and “Totalling” for British English.

Linguistic Breakdown: Why One Has a Double “L”

Some words double the final L when adding -ing. British English often uses totalling, while American English prefers totaling, following regional spelling rules consistently.

The Rule in a Nutshell

When forming present participles like totaling vs totalling, English sometimes doubles the final consonant. American English is simpler, British English often adds the extra L.

Here’s the general rule:

• One-syllable words ending in vowel + consonant: double the final consonant.
  Example: sit → sitting, run → running
  
• Two-syllable words stressed on the last syllable: double the final consonant.
  Example: begin → beginning
  
• Two-syllable words stressed on the first syllable: American English keeps one consonant; British English doubles.
  Example: total → totaling / totalling

American English follows the stress rule strictly, keeping totaling simple. British English doubles consonants for clarity, giving totalling its extra L.

Understanding this rule helps writers use totaling vs totalling correctly. Consistency ensures professional and clear communication across regions.

The Grammar Rule Behind the Difference

The double L in totalling vs totaling comes from English grammar rules and stress patterns in American and British English.

Type	Stress Pattern	American Form	British Form	Example
One-syllable	Final consonant after short vowel	Double	Double	run → running
Two-syllable, stress on last	Double	Double	begin → beginning
Two-syllable, stress on first	No double	Double	total → totaling / totalling

• American English Logic: American English keeps one L when the stress is on the first syllable.
  
• British English Logic: British English doubles the L to maintain consistent pronunciation, even if the stress isn’t on the last syllable.

Following these rules ensures correct usage of totaling vs totalling, helping writers maintain regional consistency and professional clarity in text.

The Origins of Spelling Variations: U.S. vs U.K. English

The difference between American and British English spelling started with Noah Webster, simplifying words like totaling vs totalling for clarity and consistency.

Webster aimed to make writing match everyday speech. He removed unnecessary letters, producing simpler spellings for words like totaling vs totalling.

British English	American English
Colour	Color
Travelling	Traveling
Totalling	Totaling
Centre	Center
Defence	Defense

Over time, his changes influenced textbooks and dictionaries, causing American and British English to follow slightly different spelling conventions.

Quick History Timeline

Period	Event	Result
1700s	Early English standardization	Double consonants common
1806	Noah Webster’s reforms	Simplified American spellings
1900s–Today	Global spread of English	Regional spellings coexist

Common Misconceptions About “Totalling” and “Totaling”

Many misunderstand totaling vs totalling, thinking one is wrong. In reality, both are correct depending on American or British English.

Misconception 1: One Is Incorrect

Many believe totaling vs totalling is wrong. In reality, both are correct, following American and British English spelling rules depending on your audience.

Misconception 2: “Totalling” Is Old-Fashioned

Some think totalling is outdated. However, it is modern British English, used in newspapers, academic writing, and official documents consistently today.

Misconception 3: Spellcheck Knows Best

Spellcheck may flag totalling vs totaling incorrectly if language settings are wrong. Adjust English (US) or English (UK) for proper guidance.

Misconception 4: Only Grammar Nerds Care

Writers, editors, and professionals value correct spelling. Using totaling vs totalling consistently improves clarity and shows attention to detail.

Tip: Always match your spelling to the audience’s region. Consistently using totaling or totalling avoids confusion and maintains professional, polished writing.

Quick Guide: When to Use Each Spelling

You can follow this easy guide whenever you feel uncertain.

Region	Preferred Spelling	Example
United States	Totaling	The bill was totaling $2,000.
Canada	Totaling	The expenses were totaling $300.
United Kingdom	Totalling	The project costs were totalling £50,000.
Australia	Totalling	The rainfall was totalling 100mm.
New Zealand	Totalling	The votes were totalling 12,000.

Related Forms and Variations

The difference in spelling goes beyond totaling vs totalling and shows up in other tenses and forms of the word.

Form	American English	British English	Example Sentence
Present participle	Totaling	Totalling	The losses were totaling £5,000.
Past tense	Totaled	Totalled	The car was totaled in the accident.
Noun form	Total	Total	The total came to $75.

Example Sentences

• American: totaling, totaled, total – used in the U.S. and Canada for consistency.
• British: totalling, totalled, total – used in the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.

The pattern repeats: American uses one L, British doubles consonants in totaling vs totalling consistently across forms.

“Totalling” and “Totaling” in Everyday Contexts

These spellings show up across various fields and styles of writing, depending on regional preferences and professional standards.

As In Finance

• U.S.: The company’s losses were totaling $150,000 for the quarter.
• U.K.: The expenses were totalling £200,000 across all departments.

In Insurance

• U.S.: The car was totaled after the accident.
• U.K.: The vehicle was totalled due to flood damage.

In Journalism

• The Guardian (UK): Budget cuts totalling £2 billion were announced.
• The New York Times (US): Expenses totaling $3 billion were approved.

These examples illustrate that the situation and audience, rather than right or wrong, determine whether you use totaling vs totalling.

Spell-Check & Grammar Tips: Avoiding Mistakes

Most spelling errors come from autocorrect or software settings. Here are simple ways to prevent these mistakes.

Check Your Language Settings

Region	Recommended Setting	Correct Form
United States	English (US)	Totaling
United Kingdom	English (UK)	Totalling
Australia	English (Australia)	Totalling
Canada	English (Canada)	Totaling

Quick Fixes

• Check Language Settings in Word: Go to File → Options → Language → select English (US) or English (UK) to match totaling vs totalling.
  
• Adjust Google Docs Language: Use Tools → Language → choose your preferred American or British English for consistent spelling.
  
• Set Grammarly Preferences: In Settings, select American or British English to automatically correct totaling, totalling, totaled, or totalled.

After adjusting the settings, your program will help you use the correct regional spelling automatically.

Synonyms and Alternatives for “Totaling” or “Totalling”

To reduce confusion, you can also choose a synonym. Some good options include adding up, summing, or calculating.

Synonym	Meaning	Example
Adding up	Combining amounts	She’s adding up the receipts.
Summing	Calculating the total	They’re summing the data.
Amounting to	Reaching a sum	The charges are amounting to $1,200.
Aggregating	Combining several items into one total	The system is aggregating the figures.
Calculating	Determining the total mathematically	He’s calculating the total expenses.

Common Style Guide Preferences

Most style guides clearly indicate whether to use American or British English.

Style Guide	Preferred Spelling	English Type
APA (7th Edition)	Totaling	American
MLA	Totaling	American
Chicago Manual of Style	Totaling	American
Oxford Style Guide	Totalling	British
Cambridge Style Guide	Totalling	British
The Guardian Style Guide	Totalling	British

If uncertain, follow your publication’s house style or consider the audience you are writing for.

Quick Recap: Key Takeaways

Here’s a summary to help you remember:

Rule	American English	British English
Present participle	Totaling	Totalling
Past tense	Totaled	Totalled
Consistency	Use one version throughout your document	Use one version throughout your document
Tip	Match your audience’s region	Match your audience’s region

Key principle: Stay consistent. Using totaling and totalling interchangeably in the same text appears messy, even though both forms are correct.

Language Case Study: Car Insurance Claims

Here’s a practical example showing how spelling differs depending on the region or country.

Scenario

• U.K. Report: The claims were totalling £3 million, following British English spelling rules.
• U.S. Report: The claims were totaling $3.9 million, following American English conventions.

Both statements describe the same situation, but each uses the local spelling rules for totaling vs totalling, helping readers understand clearly.

Lesson: Choose totaling or totalling based on your audience, ensuring clarity and regional consistency.

Conclusion: Language Evolves, So Does Spelling

In conclusion, both totaling and totalling are correct spellings, but the choice depends on your audience and region. American English uses totaling and totaled, while British English prefers totalling and totalled. Understanding the rules for double consonants, stress patterns, and style guides helps writers maintain consistency. 

Using the correct form avoids confusion in finance, insurance, journalism, and academic writing. If uncertain, synonyms like adding up or summing work well. Ultimately, the key is to stay consistent, match your audience’s expectations, and ensure your writing looks polished, professional, and clear.

FAQs About “Totalling” vs “Totaling”

What does “totaling” mean?

It means adding up numbers or amounts to reach a sum. For example, “Expenses are totaling $500 this month.”

Is “totalling” wrong in American English?

No, it’s not technically wrong. However, American English prefers totaling, while totalling may appear unusual to U.S. readers.

Why do British spellings often have double Ls?

British English doubles consonants, like totalling, to preserve pronunciation, even when the stress isn’t on the final syllable.

Does Grammarly recognize both spellings?

Yes, Grammarly recognizes totaling and totalling but corrects based on your selected language: American or British English.

Which should I use in academic writing?

Follow your style guide. APA, MLA, and Chicago use totaling, while Oxford and Cambridge prefer totalling.

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