Totalling or Totaling: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Totalling and totaling are both correct spellings of the verb total, but the right choice depends on the type of English you use.

The confusion exists because British and American English follow different spelling rules for verbs ending in a vowel followed by l, leading to different forms when adding -ing.

In this guide, you will learn the difference between totalling and totaling, why both spellings exist, when to use each one, common mistakes to avoid, real-life examples, usage trends, and simple tips to help you choose the correct spelling with confidence.

Quick Answer

Both totalling and totaling are correct.

Totalling is the preferred spelling in British English.
Totaling is the preferred spelling in American English.

Examples

British English

We are totalling the expenses for this month.
The accountant is totalling the figures.

American English

We are totaling the expenses for this month.
The accountant is totaling the figures.

The Origin of Totalling or Totaling

The word total comes from the Late Latin word totalis, meaning “whole” or “entire.” It entered English through French during the 16th century and became widely used as both a noun, adjective, and verb.

The spelling difference appeared much later because British and American English developed different spelling conventions.

In British English, verbs ending in a vowel followed by l usually double the l before adding -ing or -ed.

travel → travelling
cancel → cancelling
total → totalling

In American English, the final l is usually not doubled unless the stress falls on the last syllable.

travel → traveling
cancel → canceling
total → totaling

This difference is simply a spelling convention. The meaning stays exactly the same.

British English vs American English Spelling

British English and American English have different rules for doubling the letter l when adding suffixes.

British English	American English
Totalling	Totaling
Totalled	Totaled
Travelling	Traveling
Cancelled	Canceled
Labelling	Labeling

Examples

British English

We are totalling today’s sales.
The damage is totalling thousands of pounds.

American English

We are totaling today’s sales.
The damage is totaling thousands of dollars.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Choose the spelling that matches your audience.

Audience	Recommended Spelling
United States	Totaling
United Kingdom	Totalling
Australia	Totalling
Canada	Usually Totalling, although Totaling also appears
New Zealand	Totalling
International audience	Follow your preferred style guide consistently

If you write for American readers, use totaling.

If you write for British or Commonwealth readers, use totalling.

The most important rule is to stay consistent throughout your writing.

Common Mistakes with Totalling or Totaling

Here are mistakes people often make.

Incorrect	Correct
Mixing British and American spelling in one article	Use one style consistently
Using totaling in British academic writing	Use totalling
Using totalling in American business writing	Use totaling
Thinking one spelling is wrong	Both are correct in their own varieties of English

Correct Sentences

The report is totalling all yearly expenses. ✅
The report is totaling all yearly expenses. ✅

Choose the version that matches your English style.

Totalling or Totaling in Everyday Examples

Emails

We are totalling last week’s invoices before sending the report.
We are totaling last week’s invoices before sending the report.

News

Repairs are totalling millions of pounds.
Repairs are totaling millions of dollars.

Social Media

I’m totalling my monthly spending today.
I’m totaling my monthly spending today.

Formal Writing

The finance team is totalling all operational costs.
The finance team is totaling all operational costs.

Totalling or Totaling – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search interest shows that totaling is much more common in the United States, where American spelling is the standard.

Totalling appears more frequently in:

United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
Ireland

Totaling is most popular in:

United States

Canadian publications may use either spelling depending on their editorial style.

The overall search volume for both keywords remains steady because writers frequently check which version matches their audience.

Totalling vs Totaling Comparison Table

Feature	Totalling	Totaling
Correct spelling	Yes	Yes
English variety	British English	American English
Meaning	Adding numbers together	Adding numbers together
Common in UK	Yes	Rare
Common in US	Rare	Yes
Formal writing	Yes	Yes
Business writing	Yes	Yes

FAQs

Is totalling or totaling correct?

Both are correct. Totalling is British English, while totaling is American English.

Why does British English use totalling?

British spelling usually doubles the final l before adding -ing after a vowel.

Why does American English use totaling?

American English generally avoids doubling the final l unless the last syllable is stressed.

Does the meaning change?

No. Both words mean adding numbers together or reaching a total.

Is totaling wrong in the UK?

It is not technically wrong, but totalling is the standard British spelling.

Is totalling wrong in America?

Americans usually write totaling, although they will understand totalling.

Which spelling should businesses use?

Use the spelling that matches your customers, employees, or company style guide.

Conclusion

Both totalling and totaling are correct, but the correct choice depends on your audience:

totalling follows British English spelling rules, while totaling follows American English conventions.

Always use one spelling consistently throughout your document to maintain a professional style and avoid confusing readers.

When writing for international audiences, follow the editorial style guide or regional preference of your publication or business.

If you often compare British and American spellings, you may also find our guide on travelling or traveling helpful for learning another common spelling difference.