Total vs. Sum — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
"Total" refers to the entire amount or number, while "sum" is the outcome of combining numbers through addition.
Difference Between Total and Sum
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Total and sum are often used interchangeably in many contexts, but they do carry subtle differences. While both imply an accumulation or aggregation of numbers, "total" often refers to the complete amount or number of something. For instance, when referring to the total number of items in a collection, it signifies the entirety. Sum, on the other hand, specifically denotes the result of an addition of numbers. When we sum a set of numbers, we're actively adding them together.
In everyday language, when one speaks of the total cost or total time, it is an aggregation of various individual costs or durations, representing a comprehensive amount. Sum emphasizes more on the action of calculation. For example, in mathematics, summing up values is an operation of addition, and the outcome of that operation is called the sum.
Another distinction comes in their general usage. Total can be used as a noun, verb, and adjective. We can total a car (verb), talk about the total (noun), or refer to the total amount (adjective). Sum, predominantly, is used as a noun, though it can be a verb in contexts like "summing up the values."
In computational and accounting contexts, the differences between the two become even more nuanced. The sum is frequently associated with the result of addition in mathematical operations. Total, in contrast, might include other considerations, like the inclusion of tax or other additional charges in a bill.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The complete amount or number.
The result of adding numbers together.
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage
Can be used as a noun, verb, and adjective.
Predominantly a noun, occasionally a verb.
Context
Broader, includes entirety of something.
Specifically related to the action of addition.
In Computation
Might include additional charges or considerations beyond mere addition.
Strictly the outcome of addition.
In Everyday Speech
Often denotes a comprehensive amount.
Emphasizes on the action of calculation.
Compare with Definitions
Total
The complete amount.
The total of his savings is $5000.
Sum
The result of adding numbers.
The sum of 5 and 3 is 8.
Total
To wreck or destroy.
He totaled his car in the accident.
Sum
A certain amount of money.
He paid a large sum for the artwork.
Total
Entirety of something.
The total effort was commendable.
Sum
The essence or gist of something.
In sum, the story was captivating.
Total
Comprising the whole number or amount
A total cost of £4,000
Sum
An amount obtained as a result of adding numbers.
Total
Complete; absolute
A total stranger
It is a matter of total indifference to me
Sum
An arithmetic problem
A child good at sums.
Total
The whole number or amount of something
In total, 200 people were interviewed
He scored a total of thirty-three points
Sum
The whole amount, quantity, or number; an aggregate
The sum of the team's combined experience.
Total
Amount in number to
They were left with debts totalling £6,260
Sum
An amount of money
Paid an enormous sum.
Total
Damage (something, typically a vehicle) beyond repair; wreck
He almost totalled the car
Sum
A summary
My view of the world, in sum.
Total
An amount obtained by addition; a sum.
Sum
The central idea or point; the gist.
Total
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
Sum
(Mathematics) To add.
Total
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.
Sum
To give a summary of; summarize.
Total
Complete; utter; absolute
Total concentration.
A total effort.
A total fool.
Sum
A quantity obtained by addition or aggregation.
The sum of 3 and 4 is 7.
Total
To determine the total of; add up
They totaled the applications at 600.
Sum
(often plural) An arithmetic computation, especially one posed to a student as an exercise (not necessarily limited to addition).
We're learning about division, and the sums are tricky.
Total
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
Sum
A quantity of money.
A tidy sum
The sum of forty pounds
Total
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
Sum
A summary; the principal points or thoughts when viewed together; the amount; the substance; compendium.
This is the sum of all the evidence in the case.
This is the sum and substance of his objections.
Total
To add up; amount
It totals to $25.
Sum
A central idea or point; gist.
Total
An amount obtained by the addition of smaller amounts.
A total of £145 was raised by the bring-and-buy stall.
Sum
The utmost degree.
Total
Sum.
The total of 4, 5 and 6 is 15.
Sum
(obsolete) An old English measure of corn equal to the quarter.
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.
Sum
The basic unit of money in Kyrgyzstan.
Total
(used as an intensifier) Complete; absolute.
He is a total failure.
Sum
The basic unit of money in Uzbekistan.
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.
Sum
A type of administrative district used in China, Mongolia, and Russia. In Mongolia, a sum is smaller than a province. In China, it is only used in Inner Mongolia, where it is equivalent to a township.
Total
(transitive) To add up; to calculate the sum of.
When we totalled the takings, we always got a different figure.
Sum
(transitive) To add together.
Total
To equal a total of; to amount to.
That totals seven times so far.
Sum
(transitive) To give a summary of.
Total
To demolish; to wreck completely. (from total loss)
Honey, I’m OK, but I’ve totaled the car.
Sum
Eye dialect of some
Total
(intransitive) To amount to; to add up to.
It totals nearly a pound.
Sum
Eye dialect of some
Total
Whole; not divided; entire; full; complete; absolute; as, a total departure from the evidence; a total loss.
Sum
The aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes, quantities, or particulars; the amount or whole of any number of individuals or particulars added together; as, the sum of 5 and 7 is 12.
Take ye the sum of all the congregation.
Total
The whole; the whole sum or amount; as, these sums added make the grand total of five millions.
Sum
A quantity of money or currency; any amount, indefinitely; as, a sum of money; a small sum, or a large sum.
With a great sum obtained I this freedom.
Total
To bring to a total; also, to reach as a total; to amount to.
Sum
The principal points or thoughts when viewed together; the amount; the substance; compendium; as, this is the sum of all the evidence in the case; this is the sum and substance of his objections.
Total
To determine the total of (a set of numbers); to add; - often used with up; as, to total up the bill.
Sum
Height; completion; utmost degree.
Thus have I told thee all my state, and broughtMy story to the sum of earthly bliss.
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.
Sum
A problem to be solved, or an example to be wrought out.
A sum in arithmetic wherein a flaw discovered at a particular point is ipso facto fatal to the whole.
A large sheet of paper . . . covered with long sums.
Total
The whole amount
Sum
To bring together into one whole; to collect into one amount; to cast up, as a column of figures; to ascertain the totality of; - usually with up.
The mind doth value every moment, and then the hour doth rather sum up the moments, than divide the day.
Total
A quantity obtained by addition
Sum
To bring or collect into a small compass; to comprise in a few words; to condense; - usually with up.
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard," in few words sums up the moral of this fable.
He sums their virtues in himself alone.
Total
Add up in number or quantity;
The bills amounted to $2,000
The bill came to $2,000
Sum
To have (the feathers) full grown; to furnish with complete, or full-grown, plumage.
But feathered soon and fledgeThey summed their pens [wings].
Total
Determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
Sum
A quantity of money;
He borrowed a large sum
The amount he had in cash was insufficient
Total
Constituting the full quantity or extent; complete;
An entire town devastated by an earthquake
Gave full attention
A total failure
Sum
A quantity obtained by addition
Total
Including everything;
The overall cost
The total amount owed
Sum
The final aggregate;
The sum of all our troubles did not equal the misery they suffered
Total
Without conditions or limitations;
A total ban
Sum
The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;
The gist of the prosecutor's argument
The heart and soul of the Republican Party
The nub of the story
Total
Complete in extent or degree and in every particular;
A full game
A total eclipse
A total disaster
Sum
The whole amount
Total
The overall number in a collection.
The total number of books is 150.
Sum
The basic unit of money in Uzbekistan
Total
Comprehensive and complete.
The total sum of events led to the discovery.
Sum
A set containing all and only the members of two or more given sets;
Let C be the union of the sets A and B
Sum
Be a summary of;
The abstract summarizes the main ideas in the paper
Sum
Determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
Sum
A mathematical problem involving addition.
The student solved the sum effortlessly.
Sum
To give a brief description.
He summed up the event in a few sentences.
Common Curiosities
Can "total" and "sum" be used interchangeably?
Often yes, but not always. "Total" implies completeness while "sum" emphasizes addition.
Is "sum" only related to math?
While closely associated with math, "sum" can also mean the essence or gist of something.
Can "total" be used as an adjective?
Yes, as in "the total amount."
Which is broader in meaning, "total" or "sum"?
"Total" is broader, indicating the entirety of something.
Is the "sum" of a mathematical problem always an addition?
Predominantly, yes. It's the result of adding numbers.
Is "sum" always bigger than the individual numbers added?
Not necessarily. Negative numbers can reduce the sum.
Can "total" be an action?
Yes, for instance, one can "total" a car, meaning to wreck it.
Can "sum" indicate a brief description?
Yes, as in "summing up" an event.
Is "total" always a final amount?
Usually, it represents a comprehensive amount, often as a result of aggregation.
Is the "sum" always positive?
No, it depends on the numbers being added.
Is the "total" of a series the same as its "sum"?
In mathematical contexts, yes. In broader contexts, "total" might encompass more than mere addition.
Can "total" refer to destruction?
Yes, especially in contexts like "totaling a car."
Which word is more versatile in grammatical usage?
"Total" is more versatile, usable as a noun, verb, and adjective.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Cattail vs. Bulrush
Next Comparison
Keep vs. PutAuthor Spotlight
Written 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.
