SpeakUp

add up — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 make senseIf something 'adds up', it means it makes sense or seems reasonable.
  2. 2 calculate the totalTo 'add up' means to calculate the total of several numbers or amounts.
Spot the meaning

Which one is it?

Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

make sense

B2add upspokenMost common

If something 'adds up', it means it makes sense or seems reasonable.

Her explanation just didn’t add up.

A: Do you believe his story?
B: Not really. Something doesn’t add up.

When I looked at the evidence, it didn’t add up, so I started to doubt the results.

Common mistake

✗Her story doesn't add up with the facts.

✓Her story doesn't add up. / Her story doesn't fit the facts.

'Add up' works alone here — don't tack 'with' on it.

Tell it apart

His alibi just doesn't add up.

doesn't make sense

The numbers don't add up.

the total is wrong
Use 'add up' when you think something is logical or believable, especially when talking about facts or stories.Not about numbers or math—this sense is about logic or believability.

Often paired with

(not) add up
Practice saying this →
2

calculate the total

B1add up sth

To 'add up' means to calculate the total of several numbers or amounts.

Can you add up these receipts for me?

A: How much did we spend on groceries this week?
B: Let me add it up. It’s about $60.

In my part-time job, I often have to add up the sales at the end of the day.

Common mistake

✗Add up them for me.

✓Add them up for me.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'add them up'.

Tell it apart

Add up the receipts.

total them

The receipts don't add up.

don't make sense — different sense
Use 'add up' when you are talking about adding numbers together to get a total.This sense is about numbers and totals, not about logic or sense.

Often paired with

add up + numbers
Practice saying this →

Turn this into speaking practice

Practise one meaning at a time and save the ones you mix up for review.

make sensecalculate the total