What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tot
Example
I'll just tot up the bill and let you know how much you owe. [tot: verb]
Example
The teacher asked the students to tot the number of pencils in the box. [tot: verb]
Example
She quickly totted up the cost of the groceries in her head. [tot: past tense]
calculate
Example
I need to calculate the area of the room before I can buy enough paint. [calculate: verb]
Example
The scientist used complex formulas to calculate the trajectory of the rocket. [calculate: verb]
Example
Based on the data, we can calculate that the project will take six months to complete. [calculate: modal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Calculate is more commonly used than tot in academic and professional settings. Calculate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tot is less common and refers to a quick and informal way of adding numbers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tot and calculate?
While tot is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, calculate is more formal and precise, making it suitable for academic and professional contexts.
