Total vs. Overall — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
"Total" refers to the complete sum of individual parts, while "Overall" denotes the general or comprehensive nature of something.
Difference Between Total and Overall
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Total" specifically highlights the sum of individual elements added together. "Overall," meanwhile, provides a broader perspective, suggesting a general summary or the entirety without detailing specific components.
When we mention "Total," we often imply that we have calculated or counted individual elements. "Overall" can describe a general impression or assessment without necessarily counting or calculating.
In some contexts, "Total" could be a noun (e.g., the total is $50), whereas "Overall" typically acts as an adjective to describe the broad scope or general nature of something.
"Total" emphasizes completeness in the sense of an aggregate. "Overall," on the other hand, can convey a holistic view or a general evaluation.
While "Total" often appears in quantitative contexts like math or finance, "Overall" finds use in both quantitative and qualitative contexts, portraying a summary or comprehensive view.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
More quantitative
Both quantitative and qualitative
Typical Use
As a noun or adjective
Primarily as an adjective
Focus
Aggregate of parts
General perspective or comprehensive nature
Context
Math, finance, specific calculations
Summaries, evaluations, broad observations
Examples
Total amount, total score
Overall impression, overall performance
Compare with Definitions
Total
The complete amount.
The total of the bill was $100.
Overall
Relating to the entirety.
Her overall performance was commendable.
Total
The whole of something.
The total number of apples is 50.
Overall
Without going into detail.
The overall view is that it's a good initiative.
Total
Absolute or complete.
It was a total disaster.
Overall
In general.
Overall, the event was a success.
Total
Comprising the whole number or amount
A total cost of £4,000
Overall
Encompassing everything.
The overall feedback was positive.
Total
Complete; absolute
A total stranger
It is a matter of total indifference to me
Overall
When considering everything.
Overall, the benefits outweigh the cons.
Total
The whole number or amount of something
In total, 200 people were interviewed
He scored a total of thirty-three points
Overall
Taking everything into account
The governors and head have overall responsibility for managing the school
The overall effect is impressive
Total
Amount in number to
They were left with debts totalling £6,260
Overall
Taken as a whole; in all
Overall, 10,000 jobs will go
Total
Damage (something, typically a vehicle) beyond repair; wreck
He almost totalled the car
Overall
A loose-fitting coat or one-piece garment worn over ordinary clothes for protection against dirt or heavy wear
A pair of overalls
Men in grubby blue overalls
Total
An amount obtained by addition; a sum.
Overall
From one end to the other
The overall length of the house.
Total
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
Overall
Including everything; comprehensive
The overall costs of medical care.
Total
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.
Overall
Regarded as a whole; general
My overall impression was favorable.
Total
Complete; utter; absolute
Total concentration.
A total effort.
A total fool.
Overall
On the whole; generally
Enjoyed the performance overall.
Total
To determine the total of; add up
They totaled the applications at 600.
Overall
Chiefly British A loose-fitting protective outer garment; a smock.
Total
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
Overall
Overalls Loose-fitting pants, usually of strong fabric, with a bib front and shoulder straps, often worn over regular clothing as protection from dirt.
Total
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
Overall
All-encompassing, all around.
Total
To add up; amount
It totals to $25.
Overall
Generally; with everything considered.
Total
An amount obtained by the addition of smaller amounts.
A total of £145 was raised by the bring-and-buy stall.
Overall
(British) A garment worn over other clothing to protect it; a coverall or boiler suit. A garment, for manual labor or for casual wear, often made of a single piece of fabric, with long legs and a bib upper, supported from the shoulders with straps, and having several large pockets and loops for carrying tools.
Total
Sum.
The total of 4, 5 and 6 is 15.
Overall
A garment, worn for manual labor, with an integral covering extending to the chest, supported by straps.
Total
Entire; relating to the whole of something.
The total book is rubbish from start to finish.
The total number of votes cast is 3,270.
Overall
Everywhere.
Total
(used as an intensifier) Complete; absolute.
He is a total failure.
Overall
Work clothing consisting of denim trousers (usually with a bib and shoulder straps)
Total
(mathematics) (of a function) Defined on all possible inputs.
The Ackermann function is one of the simplest and earliest examples of a total computable function that is not primitive recursive.
Overall
A loose protective coverall or smock worn over ordinary clothing for dirty work
Total
(transitive) To add up; to calculate the sum of.
When we totalled the takings, we always got a different figure.
Overall
Involving only main features;
The overall pattern of his life
Total
To equal a total of; to amount to.
That totals seven times so far.
Overall
Including everything;
The overall cost
The total amount owed
Total
To demolish; to wreck completely. (from total loss)
Honey, I’m OK, but I’ve totaled the car.
Total
(intransitive) To amount to; to add up to.
It totals nearly a pound.
Total
Whole; not divided; entire; full; complete; absolute; as, a total departure from the evidence; a total loss.
Total
The whole; the whole sum or amount; as, these sums added make the grand total of five millions.
Total
To bring to a total; also, to reach as a total; to amount to.
Total
To determine the total of (a set of numbers); to add; - often used with up; as, to total up the bill.
Total
To damage beyond repair; - used especially of vehicles damaged in an accident; as, he skid on an ice patch and totaled his Mercedes against a tree. From total loss.
Total
The whole amount
Total
A quantity obtained by addition
Total
Add up in number or quantity;
The bills amounted to $2,000
The bill came to $2,000
Total
Determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
Total
Constituting the full quantity or extent; complete;
An entire town devastated by an earthquake
Gave full attention
A total failure
Total
Including everything;
The overall cost
The total amount owed
Total
Without conditions or limitations;
A total ban
Total
Complete in extent or degree and in every particular;
A full game
A total eclipse
A total disaster
Total
Entirety without exception.
The total population was surveyed.
Total
Resulting from addition.
The total sum was higher than expected.
Common Curiosities
Can "Total" describe completeness?
Yes, it can describe the entire or full amount of something.
What does "Total" mean in finance?
It refers to the complete sum of amounts, like the total cost.
Is "Overall" typically an adjective?
Yes, e.g., "The overall impression was good."
Is "Total" absolute?
It can be, especially when emphasizing completeness.
Can "Overall" be used in quantitative contexts?
Yes, but it can also describe qualitative aspects.
Is "Total" more specific than "Overall"?
Typically, "Total" is more specific, indicating an aggregate of parts.
How does "Overall" relate to details?
"Overall" usually provides a summary without delving into specifics.
How is "Overall" different from "Total"?
"Overall" gives a general perspective, while "Total" refers to the complete sum.
In what context is "Overall" commonly used?
In summaries, general evaluations, or broad observations.
Does "Total" always relate to numbers?
Mostly, but it can also describe completeness in general.
Can "Total" be used as a noun?
Yes, e.g., "The total is impressive."
Can "Total" indicate entirety?
Yes, e.g., "The total area was affected."
Does "Overall" provide a broader perspective?
Yes, it often suggests a general summary without detailing components.
How do "Total" and "Overall" differ in focus?
"Total" emphasizes the sum, while "Overall" conveys a holistic view.
Can "Total" and "Overall" sometimes be used interchangeably?
In some contexts, but "Total" often emphasizes an aggregate, and "Overall" offers a general view.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
