How do I split the bill unevenly?

This calculator splits the total evenly. For uneven splits (different dishes, separate checks), use the per-person tip as a guide and ask your server to split the check by item.

Tip Calculator

Use this free tip calculator to quickly determine how much to tip, the total cost of your meal, and how to split the bill evenly among your group.

What is a Tip?

A tip (also called a gratuity) is a voluntary payment given directly to a service worker to acknowledge good service. In some countries like the United States, tipping is an expected cultural practice; in others, it may be uncommon or even considered rude. This calculator is useful anywhere you want to figure out tip amounts and split bills.

Tip formula:

Tip Amount = Bill Amount × (Tip% ÷ 100) Total = Bill Amount + Tip Amount Per Person = Total ÷ Number of People

The Round-Up Method

When paying with cash, it is common to round up each person’s share to the nearest whole dollar. This slightly increases the effective tip percentage and makes it easier to count out cash. Our calculator automatically computes both the exact split and the rounded-up version.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the bill amount — the subtotal before any tax-inclusive tip.
Set the tip percentage — 15% is considered acceptable, 18% is standard for good service, 20–25% is excellent.
Enter the number of people splitting the bill.
Toggle round-up if you want each person to pay a whole dollar amount.
Click Calculate to see tip, total, and per-person amounts.

Examples

Example 1 — Dinner for Two

Your dinner bill comes to $68.50. Service was excellent, so you decide on a 20% tip.

Tip = $68.50 × 20% = **$ 13.70**
Total = $68.50 +$ 13.70 = $82.20
Per person = $82.20 ÷ 2 = **$ 41.10**
Rounded up: each person pays ** $42** → total$ 84 (effective tip ~$15.50)

Example 2 — Group Lunch for 6

Lunch for 6 people totals $132.00. You agree on 18% tip.

Tip = $132.00 × 18% = **$ 23.76**
Total = $132.00 +$ 23.76 = $155.76
Per person = $155.76 ÷ 6 = **$ 25.96**
Rounded up: each pays ** $26** → total$ 156 (slightly above exact)

Example 3 — Solo Coffee

You order coffee and pastry totaling $12.50. You leave a 15% tip.

Tip = $12.50 × 15% = **$ 1.88**
Total = $14.38

FAQ

How much should I tip at a restaurant in the US?

For full-service restaurants in the United States, the standard is 15–20% of the pre-tax subtotal. 15% is considered acceptable minimum, 18% is good service, and 20% or more is generous. For exceptional service, 25%+ is appropriate. For counter-service, takeout, or coffee shops, 10–15% is common.

Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

Etiquette authorities such as Emily Post recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal. However, many diners find it simpler to calculate the tip on the post-tax total. The difference is small but tipping on the pre-tax amount is technically the “correct” approach.

What if a service charge is already included on my bill?

Many restaurants automatically add 18–20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. Always check your bill before adding additional tip. If a service charge is included, you are not obligated to add more — though you may tip extra for exceptional service.

How do I tip if I had mixed service quality?

Some diners tip based on the overall experience and reduce the amount if service was poor, but tip the kitchen staff by dining where kitchen quality was excellent. Others separate food quality (kitchen) from service (server) and tip accordingly. In US law, tips go to the server, not the kitchen.

Is tip income taxable?

Yes. In the US, all tip income is fully taxable. The IRS requires employees to report tips to their employer, and employers report this on W-2 forms. See IRS Publication 531 (Reporting Tip Income) for complete guidance.