Totaling

Totaling is the act of calculating a total by adding two or more quantities. In mathematics and data processing, the total is the result of an addition operation performed across a set of values. Totaling can be done by hand, with a calculator, or with computer software, and often involves maintaining a running total, or accumulator, as values are processed.

In accounting and finance, totaling is used to derive subtotals and grand totals on ledgers, invoices, and financial reports. Accurate totaling supports reconciliation, audits, and the preparation of statements. Common practices include columnar summation, partial totals, and the use of automated sum functions in spreadsheets.

In insurance and automotive contexts, "totaling" or "total loss" describes a situation where repair costs or claims exceed the value of an asset, making repair economically impractical. The insurer may issue a payout and take ownership, sometimes issuing a salvage title when the asset is disposed of.

In data analysis and statistics, totaling is part of data aggregation; researchers tally counts and sums to describe distributions, outcomes, or test statistics. The term also appears in sports and everyday use to denote the final score or cumulative score.

Etymology: The term derives from total, meaning whole; to total is to make a whole by combining parts.