Tip & Bill Split Calculator
Calculate tip, total bill, and split it evenly among any number of people.
The math is simple but surprisingly easy to flub when everyone at the table is hungry and talking. Having a quick tool removes the mental arithmetic and the awkward negotiation about who owes what. I keep this one bookmarked on my phone.
Tip is calculated on the pre-tax bill in most cases. Some people tip on the post-tax total, either is acceptable, but the difference is meaningful on large bills.
Standard tipping guidelines
Tipping norms vary by country and service type. In the US: sit-down restaurants, 18–22% for good service, 15% for adequate service, nothing or minimal for poor service (though it's worth noting that servers typically earn below minimum wage in states that allow tip credits). Takeout: 10–15% is common but optional. Bartenders: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% on the tab. Food delivery: 15–20% of the order total (drivers often keep tips rather than sharing with the platform). Hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per night.
When to tip on the pre-tax vs post-tax amount
Tipping on the pre-tax amount is the traditional approach, the server provided the service, not the government's tax. On a $100 meal with 8% tax: tipping 20% on $100 = $20 vs tipping 20% on $108 = $21.60. The difference is small per visit but matters across thousands of restaurant meals. On large catering bills or business dinners, tipping on pre-tax can save meaningful money.
Splitting unequal bills
This calculator splits evenly, useful when everyone had roughly similar meals. For unequal splits where one person had the lobster and another had a salad, use the Bill Splitter tool, which lets you assign individual items to specific people and shares the tip proportionally.
Cash vs card for tips
Cash tips go directly to the server without processing delay. Card tips are often pooled and distributed later, and in some establishments may be shared with kitchen staff (tip pooling). If you want your tip to go directly to your specific server, cash is more reliable. Some servers prefer cash tips for tax reporting reasons, this is a personal choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20% the new standard?
In the US, 20% has become the broadly accepted standard for good service at sit-down restaurants, up from 15% a generation ago. This reflects that server wages have not kept pace with inflation in many states. Many people use the "double the tax" shortcut, in states with 8–10% sales tax, doubling the tax gives approximately 16–20% tip.
Should I tip on buffet service?
Buffets involve less table service, so tips are smaller, typically $1–2 per person or 10% if servers are actively bringing drinks and clearing plates. Self-service buffets with minimal staff involvement require less.
What about service charges on large groups?
Many restaurants add an automatic gratuity of 18–20% for parties of 6 or more. Check your bill before adding an additional tip, the gratuity line and a tip line both appearing on the receipt can lead to double-tipping without realizing it.