add up to
phr. v..phr. v.. to produce a specific total when numbers are joined together, or to result in a particular situation.
phr. v.. to yield a specific sum or total; figuratively, to result in or constitute a particular outcome or conclusion.
The small costs add up to a lot of money.
All these minor delays add up to a significant problem for the project timeline.
While each individual change seems minor, collectively they add up to a fundamental shift in the company's corporate culture.
usually followed by a noun phrase representing a total amount or a final result.
distinguish between the literal mathematical sense and the figurative sense of 'resulting in'; both uses are common in business and daily life.
The bills add up for 50 dollars.The bills add up to 50 dollars.the preposition 'to' is required to indicate the final total or result.