I've always thought of subtotal as a calculated value that is not the final amount on an invoice (for example, a sum of individual prices before discounts/taxes are applied, or the total for a selection of items depending on how the invoice is itemised). The absolute final amount (after all calculations) is then the total. But, I'm working with a third party shopping cart and it seems to insist on calling the final total subtotal. Is this acceptable, or should I fix this? I think people are fixing on the specific situation I bring up in my question rather than the general 'subtotal' vs 'total' - I'm pretty sure I've seen other receipts/invoices where 'subtotal' is used where I'd have thought 'total' would be more appropriate. I'm asking which would be the correct word for the final amount on an invoice after all calculations and considerations.
asked Aug 22, 2011 at 0:08 1,894 5 5 gold badges 15 15 silver badges 23 23 bronze badges Doesn't "subtotal" in that context mean "before tax"? Commented Aug 22, 2011 at 0:42Can you ask the 3rd party provider why they would have such an odd reason for using "subtotal"? Is this a situation where the 3rd party intends to allow you one last opportunity to inject fees or shipping calculations in and displaying the grand total yourself?
Commented Aug 22, 2011 at 1:15 I could ask - but there'd probably not be a timely response. Commented Aug 22, 2011 at 1:39 Hahaha. I feel your pain! Commented Aug 22, 2011 at 1:43I'm voting to close, on the grounds that the only person who will benefit from any answers is OP, who should take this up with his 3rd party and wait for their answer.