The phrase "to add up to" means that two or more numbers, values, or quantities combine to make a total. It is often used in mathematical expressions where different variables are combined to arrive at a final result. For example, if someone says "my expenses for the month add up to $1000," it means that all their individual expenditures have been totaled together and amount to $1000. The phrase can also be used in non-numerical contexts where different factors or elements come together to form a whole, such as when someone says "my experience and education add up to me being well qualified for this job."