Tip Calculator
Calculate the tip and split the bill between people.
How to use this tool
- Enter bill amount, tip and people in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your tip and the full breakdown beneath it.
Calculate the tip and split the bill between people.
⚠ This tool provides general estimates for education only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Figures may not reflect your situation — verify with a qualified professional.
Formula
Tip = Bill × Tip (%) ÷ 100
Total = Bill + Tip
Per Person = Total ÷ Number of People
Per person = (Bill × (1 + tip ÷ 100)) ÷ people
How it works
This calculator computes the gratuity on a restaurant or service bill at a chosen percentage, adds it to the bill to get the total, and divides equally among the number of diners. The tip is derived by multiplying the original bill amount by the tip percentage divided by 100; the total is the bill plus that tip; and the per-person share is the total divided by the headcount. The split is perfectly equal — it does not account for individual orders or separate payments.
Tax on the bill is not included in these inputs; if you want to tip on the post-tax amount, enter the bill amount inclusive of tax.
Worked example
- Bill = $100; Tip = 20%; People = 2
- Tip amount = $100 × 20 ÷ 100 = $20
- Total = $100 + $20 = $120
- Per person = $120 ÷ 2 = $60
Tip = $20; Total = $120; Per person = $60
Common mistakes to avoid
- Calculating the tip on the post-tax total instead of the pre-tax subtotal — tipping on tax slightly inflates the tip amount.
- Dividing the pre-split total by the number of people first, then calculating each person's tip separately — this gives the same result but can create rounding discrepancies.
- Using a flat dollar amount as the "tip percentage" field — the field expects a percentage like 18, not a dollar value like 9.
Key terms
- Gratuity (tip)
- A voluntary payment added to a bill to reward good service, typically expressed as a percentage of the pre-tax bill.
- Bill amount
- The subtotal charged by the restaurant or service provider before the tip is added.
- Bill split
- Division of the total bill (including tip) equally among all diners in the group.
- Tip percentage
- The rate used to calculate the tip; common conventions are 15% for adequate service, 18% for good, and 20%+ for excellent.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
- Convention varies. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is more common in practice, but many apps default to the post-tax total. On a $50 meal at 8% tax and 20% tip, the gap is $0.80.
- What is a standard tip percentage in restaurants?
- 15% is considered the minimum for acceptable service, 18-20% is standard, and 20-25%+ is for excellent service. Counter-service and takeout norms are lower (0-15%).
- How do I split a bill unevenly when each person ordered different items?
- Calculate each person's share of the pre-tip subtotal, then add the same tip percentage to each share. This calculator is for equal splits; for unequal splits, calculate each person's subtotal separately first.