How to use this calculator
- Enter the Bill amount, normally the pre-tax subtotal.
- Set the Tip percentage; the default is 18.
- Enter the Number of people sharing the check.
- Read Each person pays, then the tip, total and the table comparing 10%, 15%, 18%, 20% and 25%.
How the tip and split are calculated
The tip is the bill times the tip rate. Add it to the bill for the total, then divide by the number of diners. The calculator splits everything equally, which is fair only when everybody ordered about the same.
Each pays = Bill × (1 + tip ÷ 100) ÷ People- Bill = amount you are tipping on
- tip = tip percentage
- People = number of people sharing the check
- Tip per person = Bill × tip ÷ 100 ÷ People
Example: dinner for four
A $142.60 bill, 20% tip and four people gives a tip of $28.52 and a total of $171.12. Each person pays $42.78, including $7.13 of tip.
The comparison table shows the same bill at other rates: 15% costs $163.99 in total ($41.00 each), 18% is $168.27 ($42.07 each) and 25% is $178.25 ($44.56 each). Going from 15% to 25% costs each person just $3.56 more, which is useful context when deciding.
Which tip percentage to choose
Customs vary. In the United States, 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill is a typical range at sit-down restaurants, where tips make up a large share of servers' income. In many other countries service is included or a small round-up is enough. Check the receipt for an automatic service charge or gratuity before you add more, since this is common for large groups.
Tip on the amount before tax if you can. If the bill shown is the tax-inclusive total, use the sales tax calculator to find the pre-tax part.
Splitting fairly
Equal splits work for shared plates and similar orders. When one person had an expensive drink or a much bigger meal, split by what each person ordered and apply the same tip percentage to each part. If you are paying for friends, round up the total to a number that is easy to share.
Planning regular dining out? Put a monthly amount in the wants bucket of the budget calculator, and check coupons and deals with the discount calculator.
Common mistakes
Tipping on the total that already includes a service charge, doubling up on gratuity for large parties, and forgetting to round the per-person amount to the cent are the usual slips. Digital checkouts that pre-select a tip on takeout can also default to a higher rate than you intended, so check the percentage.
Assumptions and limits
The calculator tips on whatever amount you enter, divides equally and does not round per person, so shares may differ by a cent. It does not know local tipping norms, taxes or service charges. Tipping practices and the rules for how tips are taxed differ by country; employers and workers can find tip reporting guidance from their tax authority.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip?
In the US, 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill is common for table service. Elsewhere, check local custom, since service is often already included.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Either is acceptable, but many people use the pre-tax subtotal. Tipping on the post-tax total raises the tip slightly.
How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly?
Move the decimal one place left for 10%, then double it. For $142.60, 10% is $14.26 and 20% is $28.52.
How do I split the bill with an uneven order?
Add each person's items, apply the same tip percentage to their part and share tax proportionally, or agree on a rounded split.
Are tips taxable?
In many countries tips count as income for the person receiving them. In the US, the IRS publishes guidance on tip reporting.