When making a payment, whether you should pay the total or subtotal depends on the context and the specific situation. Let’s explore some scenarios to understand when each term is applicable.
1. Shopping at a store: When you go shopping and select several items, the prices of each item are typically listed individually. As you continue shopping, the prices of the items are added up to calculate a running total. This running total is the subtotal, representing the sum of the prices of the items you have selected so far. Once you have finished shopping and are ready to pay, you would then pay the total, which includes any applicable taxes, discounts, or additional charges.
Personal experience: I recently went grocery shopping and picked up various items. As I moved through the store, I kept track of the prices, mentally adding them to calculate the subtotal. At the checkout counter, the cashier provided the final total, which included taxes. I paid the total amount to complete the transaction.
2. Restaurant dining: When dining at a restaurant, the subtotal refers to the sum of the prices of the food and drinks you ordered. It does not include additional charges such as taxes, service charges, or gratuity. The subtotal is usually presented on the bill before these additional charges are applied. To settle the bill, you would pay the total, which includes the subtotal plus any applicable taxes and additional charges.
Personal experience: Last week, I had a dinner at a restaurant with friends. Throughout the evening, we ordered various appetizers, main courses, and beverages. As we finished our meal, the server brought us the bill, which displayed the subtotal of all the items we had ordered. We then added the taxes and gratuity to calculate the final total, which we paid before leaving the restaurant.
3. Online shopping: When making purchases online, the subtotal is again the sum of the prices of the items you have added to your cart. It does not include shipping fees, taxes, or any discounts that may be applied. At the checkout page, the website will typically display the subtotal, and you would then proceed to pay the total, which includes additional charges and taxes.
Personal experience: Recently, I ordered a new book online. As I added the book to my cart, the website displayed the subtotal, which was just the price of the book. When I proceeded to checkout, the website added the shipping fee and taxes, providing me with the final total. I made the payment for the total amount to complete the purchase.
Whether you pay the total or subtotal depends on the context. Subtotal refers to the sum of one set of numbers or prices, while the total represents the final overall sum, including any additional charges or taxes. It’s important to carefully review the bill or checkout page to ensure you understand what is included in the subtotal and what will be added to calculate the total amount you need to pay.