1 A2 neutral
To calculate the total of a set of numbers by adding them together.
"Add up all the prices before you go to the checkout."
separable
add up
A2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To calculate a total, or figuratively, to seem logical or consistent.
In plain English
To find the total of several numbers, or to make sense when you think about it.
What does "add up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To seem logical or consistent; to make sense (often used in the negative).
"His explanation just doesn't add up — there are too many contradictions."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
To accumulate to a significant amount over time.
"Small daily savings really add up over the course of a year."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To combine numbers by adding them, building upward to a total.
Actually means
To find the total of several numbers, or to make sense when you think about it.
Usage tip
Extremely common in both literal (maths) and figurative (logic) uses. The negative 'doesn't add up' is very common to express suspicion or inconsistency. Also: small amounts 'add up' over time (accumulate).
Words that pair with "add up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
figures costs numbers story expenses total
How to conjugate "add up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
add up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
adds up
he/she/it
Past simple
added up
yesterday
Past participle
added up
have + pp
-ing form
adding up
continuous
Hear "add up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "add up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "add up"
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Keep exploring
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