1 B1 neutral
To reach a particular total when everything is added together.
"The costs of transport, food, and accommodation add up to over £500."
inseparable
add up to
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To result in a particular total or to represent a particular meaning or significance.
In plain English
When everything is combined, to reach a certain total or to mean a certain thing.
What does "add up to" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To amount to something significant (or not); to represent a particular conclusion or meaning.
"All these small complaints add up to a very serious problem with workplace culture."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
The numbers climb up and arrive at a specific destination (total).
Actually means
When everything is combined, to reach a certain total or to mean a certain thing.
Usage tip
Used both literally (the total sum) and figuratively (overall significance). 'All this evidence adds up to a clear conclusion' is a typical figurative use. Common in academic and analytical writing.
Words that pair with "add up to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
total conclusion pattern nothing something disaster
How to conjugate "add up to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
add up to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
adds up to
he/she/it
Past simple
added up to
yesterday
Past participle
added up to
have + pp
-ing form
adding up to
continuous
Hear "add up to" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "add up to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "add up to"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.