How to Calculate a Tip and Split the Bill

The awkward part of a group dinner is rarely the arithmetic. It is agreeing what the tip is based on and how to divide it. Settle those two decisions first and the calculator does the rest in a second.

The calculation

Tip = bill × tip percentage ÷ 100. Total = bill + tip. Per person = total ÷ number of people.

Suppose the bill is $84.50 and you tip 20%. The tip is $16.90, the total is $101.40, and split four ways each person pays $25.35.

Using the calculator

1. Open the Tip Calculator and enter the bill amount.
2. Choose a tip percentage: 10, 15, 18, 20 or 25.
3. Enter how many people are sharing.
4. Read the tip, the total and the amount per person.

Before the tax or after?

Conventions differ. Some people tip on the pre-tax amount, others on the final bill, and the difference grows with the tax rate. The calculator uses whatever number you enter, so decide which you mean and type that amount. If your receipt lists a subtotal, use it for a pre-tax tip.

Splitting unevenly

The tool divides the total equally. If one person ordered much more, split the food by hand, then calculate the tip on the shared total and divide that part equally, which keeps the tip fair without a spreadsheet. For rounding, it is easiest to round the per-person amount up to the next dollar or unit and treat the extra as part of the tip.

Customs vary by country

Percentages quoted for table service in the United States do not travel. In some countries a service charge is already on the bill, and in others tipping is small or not expected at all. If you are travelling, check the local custom and read the receipt for an included charge before adding your own.

This is a convenience calculator for splitting a bill, not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions