Equaled vs. Equalled — What's the Difference?

Both "equaled" and "equalled" refer to the concept of something being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value, but they are distinguished by their usage in different varieties of English. American English typically uses "equaled," which follows the general rule of keeping the final consonant single before adding "-ed" for verbs that end in a vowel plus a consonant. British English, however, often doubles the final consonant, as seen in "equalled," especially when the final syllable is stressed. This difference is purely a matter of spelling convention and does not affect the meaning of the word.

While "equaled" and "equalled" both serve as the past tense and past participle forms of the verb "equal," their usage can also reflect broader spelling trends in American and British English, respectively. For instance, American English shows a preference for simpler spellings in many words, whereas British English tends to preserve more traditional forms, including doubling consonants. This distinction is part of a larger pattern where American and British English differ in their spelling conventions, affecting not just "equal" but many other words.

The choice between "equaled" and "equalled" thus depends on the dialect of English one is using or exposed to. In academic or professional writing, it's important to maintain consistency with the chosen variety of English. Writers and editors often refer to style guides specific to American or British English to ensure their spelling aligns with the conventions of their intended audience.

Understanding the difference between "equaled" and "equalled" is essential not just for writers and editors but also for English language learners and anyone engaged in cross-cultural communication. Recognizing that such spelling variations exist can help in correctly interpreting texts and in producing writing that is appropriately tailored to the target audience. Whether one uses "equaled" or "equalled" in writing, the key is consistency within the document and adherence to the conventions of the chosen variant of English.