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Tip Splitter

Enter the bill amount, select a tip percentage, and choose how many people are splitting the check. See total tip, total bill, and per-person amount.

10%

Total Tip

Total Bill

Per Person

Tip Per Person

How the Tip Splitter Works

Splitting a restaurant bill is a common source of mental arithmetic at the dinner table. This tip splitter calculates the total tip, adds it to the bill, and divides the result equally among however many people are in your group. Enter the pre-tax bill amount, choose a tip percentage, and set the number of diners to see instantly what everyone owes.

Tip Calculation Formulas

Tip Amount = Bill × (Tip% ÷ 100)

Total Bill = Bill + Tip Amount

Per Person = Total Bill ÷ Number of People

Tip Per Person = Tip Amount ÷ Number of People

Worked Example

Dinner for 5 people, bill is $120, tip is 20%:

  • Tip Amount: $120 × 0.20 = $24
  • Total Bill: $120 + $24 = $144
  • Per Person: $144 ÷ 5 = $28.80
  • Tip Per Person: $24 ÷ 5 = $4.80

Each person pays $28.80, which includes $24 of food/drink and $4.80 tip.

How Much Should You Tip?

Tipping customs vary by country and service type. In the United States, tipping is customary and forms a significant portion of service workers' income. Here are standard US tipping guidelines:

Service TypeTypical TipNotes
Full-service restaurant15–20%20% is now considered standard
Excellent service20–25%For truly exceptional experiences
Bar/drinks only$1–$2 per drink or 15–20%More for complex cocktails
Food delivery10–15% (minimum $3–$5)More in bad weather or long distances
Takeout orderOptional, 5–10%Appreciated but not required
Hotel housekeeping$3–$5 per nightLeave daily, not just at checkout
Hair salon15–20%Tip each person who served you
Taxi / rideshare15–20%Minimum $1–$2

Tipping on Tax vs. Pre-Tax Amount

There is an ongoing debate about whether to tip on the pre-tax or post-tax total. Both practices are acceptable:

  • Tip on pre-tax amount: Mathematically correct, saves a small amount
  • Tip on post-tax total: Simpler, more common, slightly more generous

On a $100 pre-tax bill with 10% tax, the difference is only $1.50 on a 15% tip — a negligible amount that is not worth worrying about. Choose whichever is simpler.

The Mental Math Shortcut for Tipping

When you do not have a calculator, use these quick mental math techniques:

  • 20% tip: Move the decimal one place left (10%), then double it
    • $87 bill → 10% = $8.70 → 20% = $17.40
  • 15% tip: Find 10%, then add half of 10%
    • $87 bill → 10% = $8.70 → 5% = $4.35 → 15% = $13.05
  • 18% tip: Find 20% then subtract 10% of the tip
    • $87 bill → 20% = $17.40 → 18% ≈ $17.40 − $1.74 = $15.66

Tipping Etiquette for Groups

When dining in a large group, restaurants often add an automatic gratuity (usually 18–20%) for parties of 6 or more. Always check your bill before adding an additional tip — double-tipping is an easy mistake when the auto-gratuity is printed in small text. If service was exceptional despite the auto-gratuity, an additional cash tip is always appreciated.

International Tipping Customs

Tipping norms vary dramatically around the world. While 15–20% is expected in the US, other countries have very different customs:

  • Japan: Tipping is considered rude and may be refused
  • France, Italy, Germany: Rounding up or leaving 5–10% is common; 20% is unusual
  • Australia, New Zealand: Tips are appreciated but not expected (servers earn a living wage)
  • Mexico: 10–15% is customary
  • UK: 10–12.5% in restaurants; service charges are often added automatically

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I tip on the total bill including tax?

You can tip on either the pre-tax or post-tax amount. Most people tip on the total bill for simplicity. On a typical restaurant bill, the difference between the two methods is only a few dollars.

How do I split a bill when people ordered different amounts?

This calculator splits the bill evenly. For unequal splits, note each person's individual subtotal, calculate tip proportionally (or divide equally), and pay accordingly. Several apps like Splitwise can handle complex unequal splits.

Do I tip if service was bad?

In the US, tipping is customary regardless of service quality, since servers rely on tips for income. For genuinely poor service, 10% is a signal that something was wrong. Speak to a manager if the experience was truly unacceptable.

Is 15% still an acceptable tip?

15% was the standard for decades but is increasingly considered below average in the United States. Most hospitality workers now consider 18–20% the baseline, with 20%+ for good service. 15% may be interpreted as dissatisfaction.

Should I tip on alcohol?

Yes. Tip on the full bill including alcohol. Cocktails and wine require skill and time to prepare and serve. Some diners tip at least $1–$2 per drink for simple bar service, which often exceeds the percentage method.

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