Totaling vs Totalling Quiz: Test Yourself
Five quick questions on totaling vs totalling. Pick an answer to get instant feedback.
Flip Cards: Quick Review
Hover over a card, or tap it on mobile, to see the meaning.
American spelling. One l.
“Costs are totaling $500.”
British spelling. Double l.
“Costs are totalling £500.”
American past tense. One l.
“She totaled the receipts.”
British past tense. Double l.
“She totalled the receipts.”
People look up totaling vs totalling because they see both spellings online and in print. Neither is a typo. The two are regional versions of the same word, and the right one depends on your audience.
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech / Category | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Totaling | Adding up; reaching a sum (American spelling) | Verb, present participle / US | Costs are totaling $500 this month. |
| Totalling | Adding up; reaching a sum (British spelling) | Verb, present participle / UK | Costs are totalling £500 this month. |
| Totaled | Added up; also wrecked beyond repair (American spelling) | Verb, past tense / US | She totaled the receipts, and he totaled his car. |
| Totalled | Added up (British spelling) | Verb, past tense / UK | She totalled the receipts. |
Which Is Correct: Totaling or Totalling?
Both are correct. Use totaling for an American audience and totalling for a British audience.
Dictionaries list the double-l forms as the main spelling in British English and the single-l forms as the main spelling in American English. Mixing them in one document is the real error.
What Does “Total” Mean as a Verb?
As a verb, total means to add up or to reach a certain sum. You can total a column of numbers, or a bill can total a certain amount.
In American English, to total something can also mean to wreck it completely, as in “he totaled his car.” British speakers usually say that a wrecked car has been written off.
Why Does British English Double the L?
British spelling usually doubles a final l before -ed or -ing. American spelling usually doubles it only when the stress falls on the last syllable.
Total is stressed on its first syllable, so American English writes totaled and totaling. Control is stressed on its last syllable, so both American and British English write controlled and controlling. That is why the same rule gives different results for different words.
Which Other Words Follow the Same Pattern?
Many verbs ending in a single l follow the same split. American English drops the extra l, and British English keeps it:
- traveling (US) and travelling (UK)
- canceling (US) and cancelling (UK)
- modeling (US) and modelling (UK)
- labeling (US) and labelling (UK)
If you know how to spell one of these words in your chosen style, you can spell the others in the same way.
How Do You Choose the Right Spelling?
Choose the spelling that matches your readers. Use totaling and totaled for the United States, and use totalling and totalled for the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
If you work for a publication or a school, follow its style guide. If you have a global audience, pick one style and stay consistent throughout.
Is the Other Spelling Ever Acceptable?
Dictionaries note that the double-l forms are correct but rare in American English, while the single-l forms are not accepted in British English. So totalling may pass in a US text, but totaling will look like an error in a UK text.
This means that if your audience is mixed, the double-l spelling carries less risk for British readers, while the single-l spelling is the clear choice for American readers. The most important thing is to pick one and apply it everywhere.
Common Mistakes With Totaling vs Totalling
- ✗ The expenses totalling $500 were approved. (US style)
✓ The expenses totaling $500 were approved. - ✗ The costs totaled £1,200. (UK style)
✓ The costs totalled £1,200. - ✗ Mixing totaling and travelling in one document.
✓ Use totaling and traveling together, or totalling and travelling together. - ✗ The expenses are totaleing $40.
✓ The expenses are totaling $40. - ✗ The total’s came to $40.
✓ The totals came to $40.
How Can You Remember Which One to Use?
- American means shorter. American spelling often trims a letter, so totaling has one l.
- British means longer. Totalling keeps the double l, like many British town names.
- Stay consistent. If you write travelling, write totalling too.
Totaling vs Totalling FAQ
Is it totaling or totalling?
Both are correct. Totaling is the American spelling, and totalling is the British spelling.
Is it totaled or totalled?
Both are correct. Totaled is the American spelling of the past tense, and totalled is the British spelling.
Why does British English double the l?
British spelling usually doubles a final l before -ed or -ing, even when the stress is not on the last syllable. American spelling usually doubles it only when the stress falls on the last syllable, so total becomes totaled but control becomes controlled.
What does it mean when a car is totaled?
In American English, a car is totaled when the cost of repair is more than its value, so it is treated as a total loss. In the UK, people usually say the car is written off.
Which spelling do Canada and Australia use?
Australia and New Zealand usually follow British spelling, so they use totalling. Canadian usage varies, so follow your style guide or your audience.
Final Thoughts on Totaling vs Totalling
The totaling vs totalling question has a simple answer: both are right, and the choice depends on your audience. Use totaling in American English, use totalling in British English, and keep your spelling consistent. Share this with someone who mixes these up.