Definition

A term used to describe an amount that is less than the total, often referring to a partial sum before adding additional amounts.

Example

The subtotal of the items in my cart was $50 before taxes and shipping fees were added.

Conversation

Hey, did you check the subtotal on our receipt from dinner?

Yeah, it seems a bit lower than I expected.

Right? I thought we ordered more, but maybe they charged us for a subtotal instead of the full amount.

That makes sense; we should definitely ask about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A partial total that is calculated before adding in additional amounts or totals.

Example

After adding the items, we reached a subtotal of $50 before tax.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you subtotal the expenses for our trip yet?

Not yet, I'm still gathering all the receipts.

Let me know when you do, so we can see how much we spent.

Definition

The total amount of a specific part of a larger set of numbers or figures, often used in calculations or financial statements.

Example

The subtotal of the items in my shopping cart was $50 before tax.

Conversation

Hey, do you remember how much our bill was before tax?

Yeah, I think the subtotal was around fifty dollars.

Right, and after the tax, it ended up being a bit higher, right?

Definition

To calculate the total of a part of a series of numbers.

Example

Please subtotal the expenses before adding the tax.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Hey, can you help me subtotal these receipts for my taxes?

Sure! How many do you have?

I have five, and I want to make sure I don’t miss anything.

Root Explanation

Subtotal → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "total" (from Latin "totalis", meaning whole or entire). The word "subtotal" refers to a sum that is under or part of a larger total.

Memory Tip

Think of a sum that is 'under' ('sub-') the 'whole' ('total') — that's what a subtotal represents.

Visually Confused Words