Totalling or Totaling: Which Spelling to Use?

English is full of quirky rules and regional differences—and “totalling” or “totaling” is a perfect example. If you’ve ever paused while writing to wonder whether to include that second “L,” you’re not alone. This small spelling difference sparks big confusion, especially for students, professionals, and anyone writing for an international audience.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the true difference between totalling and totaling, why it exists, and how to confidently choose the correct form based on your location, audience, or context. You’ll also get usage examples, grammar rules, synonyms, and even insight into how major tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Word treat the word.

Totalling vs Totaling — Quick Answer

Spelling	Usage Region	Example Sentence
Totalling	British English	“She was totalling the expenses.”
Totaling	American English	“He’s totaling the scores for the quiz.”

Rule of Thumb:
Use “totaling” if you’re writing for an American audience. Use “totalling” for British, Canadian, Australian, or any other audience that uses British English spelling conventions.

Both words are derived from the verb “total”, which means to add up amounts or sum things together. The difference lies purely in spelling preference based on location, not in meaning or usage.

What Do “Totalling” and “Totaling” Mean?

Despite the spelling variation, both words mean exactly the same thing—to calculate a total amount.

Definition of “Totaling” (American Spelling)

Totaling is the present participle of the verb “total” and follows American English spelling conventions.

• Meaning: To add up or compute a total amount.
  
• Example: “The bill is totaling more than I expected.”
  

Definition of “Totalling” (British Spelling)

Totalling follows the British English spelling pattern of doubling the consonant “L” before adding “-ing” or “-ed.”

• Meaning: Same as “totaling”—to sum or add up.
  
• Example: “They are totalling the final marks for the semester.”
  

Whether you use “totaling” or “totalling,” the function of the word remains identical: it’s a verb that indicates addition or accumulation.

Totalling vs Totaling — Spelling Differences Explained

This difference isn’t random. It comes from a systematic rule in how British and American English treat certain suffixes.

In British English, when a verb ends with a vowel + consonant and the final syllable is stressed, the final consonant is usually doubled before adding a suffix like -ing or -ed.

In American English, the final consonant is not doubled unless the word ends in a stressed syllable.

Here’s a quick table comparing commonly doubled words:

British Spelling	American Spelling
Travelling	Traveling
Cancelled	Canceled
Fuelled	Fueled
Totalling	Totaling
Modelling	Modeling

Why the difference?
The variation stems from 19th-century spelling reforms led by figures like Noah Webster, who advocated for simplified, phonetic spellings to make English easier to learn.

Why the Confusion Between “Totalling” and “Totaling”?

With globalization and the internet bringing everyone together, English speakers and writers are constantly exposed to both spelling systems. This naturally leads to confusion.

Here are a few reasons for the mix-up:

• Auto-correct software defaults to US English unless changed manually.
  
• International audiences may use a blend of American and British spelling without realizing it.
  
• Academic and publishing guidelines often enforce one over the other.
  
• Reading content online from US and UK sources makes both forms look familiar.
  

For example:

• The Guardian (UK) writes: “Totalling up government spending…”
  
• The New York Times (US) says: “Totaling over $5 million in revenue…”
  

Key takeaway: It’s not about right or wrong—it’s about consistency and location.

Synonyms for Totalling/Totaling (When You Don’t Want to Choose)

Sometimes, the easiest solution is to avoid the word altogether and use a synonym.

Here are some commonly accepted alternatives:

• Adding up
  
• Summing
  
• Calculating
  
• Counting
  
• Aggregating
  
• Computing
  
• Accumulating
  

Example:
Instead of saying, “She is totaling the receipts,” you could say, “She is adding up the receipts.”

Using synonyms is especially useful when writing for international audiences, where choosing one spelling might look incorrect to part of the readership.

When to Use “Totalling” or “Totaling” Based on Context

Choosing the correct spelling often depends on where and how you’re writing.

Here’s how to decide:

Academic Writing

• Use “totalling” if you follow British, Australian, or Canadian style guides (Oxford, Cambridge, etc.).
  
• Use “totaling” for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles (American English default).
  

Business and Corporate Use

• Match your audience. For example:
  
  • Use “totaling” in reports for US clients.
    
  • Use “totalling” for UK-based communication.
    

Web and Digital Content

• Check your target keyword location.
  
• If most of your readers are in the US, stick with “totaling” for SEO.
  

Schoolwork or Assignments

• Match your school’s English standard (ask your teacher or follow your curriculum guide).
  

Sentence Examples Using Totalling and Totaling

Let’s see both words in context.

Examples Using “Totalling” (British English)

• “The repairs ended up totalling £4,000.”
  
• “He was totalling the damage caused by the storm.”
  
• “The receipts are totalling more than the budget allows.”
  

Examples Using “Totaling” (American English)

• “The car is totaling nearly $8,000 in repairs.”
  
• “They are totaling the number of participants in the study.”
  
• “The results are totaling faster than expected.”
  

These sentences show that while the spelling changes, the grammatical usage and meaning stay the same.

Grammar Rule: Doubling the “L” in English Suffixes

Let’s explore why British English doubles the “L” and American English often doesn’t.

British Rule

If a single-syllable word ends in vowel + consonant, double the final consonant before adding a suffix:

• travel → travelling
• cancel → cancelling
• total → totalling

American Rule

Drop the double consonant unless:

• The final syllable is stressed (e.g., begin → beginning)
• It’s needed to preserve the vowel sound

Hence:

• travel → traveling
• cancel → canceling
• total → totaling

Exceptions

Some words always double the consonant regardless of dialect:

• commit → committed
  
• prefer → preferred
  
• begin → beginning
  

Use this chart as a guide:

Rule Type	British English Example	American English Example
Regular Doubling	Totalling	Totaling
Stress-Based Rule	Beginning	Beginning
Exception	Committed	Committed

Totalling vs Totaling in Software & Technology

Wondering what your word processor thinks is correct? Here’s what the most common tools do:

Microsoft Word

• Default: American English (“totaling”)
  
• Can be changed in settings to British English

Google Docs

• Default: American English
  
• Suggests “totalling” as a spelling error unless language settings are changed
  

Grammarly

• Allows both spellings but flags based on set language

Tip: Always check your software’s language settings before writing major content. A mismatch can result in auto-corrections that introduce inconsistencies.

Summary: Which One Should You Use?

Here’s the bottom line:

• Use “totaling” for American English audiences or style guides.
  
• Use “totalling” for British/Commonwealth English audiences.
  
• Stay consistent throughout your writing.
  
• When in doubt—or writing for a mixed audience—consider using a synonym.
  

Quick Reference Table

Audience	Preferred Spelling
US Readers	Totaling
UK/Canada/AUS	Totalling
Academic (APA)	Totaling
Academic (Oxford)	Totalling

FAQ Section

1. Which is correct, totaling or totalling?

Both are correct—“totaling” is used in American English, while “totalling” (with double L) is British English. The spelling depends on the regional variant you’re following.

2. Which is correct, totalled or totaled?

“Totaled” is the correct form in American English, and “totalled” is used in British English. Both mean the same thing and are correct depending on the English dialect.

3. What is the meaning of totaling?

Totaling means adding up numbers or reaching a final amount or sum. It can also mean causing total damage, as in a totaled car.

4. How to use the word totaling?

Use “totaling” when describing an amount, e.g., “The bill came to $500, totaling all expenses.” It can also be used in contexts like “totaling the vehicle in the accident.”

5. Which is correct, centre or center?

“Center” is correct in American English, while “centre” is used in British English. Both have the same meaning—middle point or main place—just spelled differently by region.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between totalling and totaling boils down to knowing your audience and sticking to consistent spelling rules. While both words mean exactly the same thing—adding up or summing amounts—the difference lies in regional spelling conventions. Use “totaling” for American English contexts and “totalling” for British and Commonwealth English.

Remember, consistency is key. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, business report, or online content, aligning your spelling with your readers’ expectations improves clarity and professionalism. And if you’re ever in doubt, synonyms like adding up or calculating can help you avoid confusion altogether.