Totals

Totals are the result of adding two or more numbers; the sum. The term can refer to the final quantity after a list of values is added, and it is distinct from related concepts such as the average or the difference.

In mathematics, totals arise from the operation of addition. The sigma notation (sum symbol) represents the total of a sequence. In data processing, running totals or cumulative sums update as each value is added.

In tables and spreadsheets, totals appear as row totals and column totals. The SUM function or AutoSum computes them, and totals can be recalculated automatically when inputs change.

In accounting and finance, totals summarize monetary figures—total revenue, total expenses, total assets—providing a consolidated view for statements and reports. Balance relationships among totals underpin many financial analyses and help ensure consistency in financial statements.

In sports and statistics, season totals aggregate per-game statistics to yield overall performance metrics. Totals help compare players and teams across games, seasons, or competitions.

In computing, running totals and prefix sums are used for algorithms and data streams. Practical concerns include handling missing data, rounding errors, and potential overflow when totals grow large. Totals are a foundational concept across disciplines, providing a concise summary of a set of values and enabling comparison, reporting, and decision making.