Altogether or all together?

Altogether means ‘completely’ or ‘in total’:

In 1997 the sales tax was lowered to 4%, then in 2001 it was abolished altogether.

The book was €13.50 and the magazine was €5.25, so it was €18.75 altogether.

All together means ‘with each other’, and is similar to together:

Put your clothes all together in one pile and I’ll wash them for you.

Not: Put your clothes altogether in one pile …

[a group of five people are waiting at the entrance to a restaurant]

Waiter:

Are you all together?

Customer:

Yes. Can you do a table for five?