Tip

1. Enter the **bill subtotal** — this is the amount shown on your check before or after tax, depending on your preference.
2. Select or type your desired **tip percentage** (common choices: 15%, 18%, 20%, 25%).
3. Enter the **number of people** splitting the bill (enter 1 if you are paying alone).
4. Click **Calculate** to instantly see the tip amount, the total bill, and how much each person owes.
5. Adjust the tip percentage or number of people and recalculate as needed until the split works for your group.

Tip = S × (P / 100) | Total = S + Tip | Per Person = Total / N

• S — Bill Subtotal — the pre-tax or post-tax cost of the meal or service before the tip is added, in dollars (or local currency).
• P — Tip Percentage — the gratuity rate you want to leave, expressed as a percentage (e.g., 18 for 18%).
• N — Number of People — how many diners are splitting the total bill equally. Enter 1 if not splitting.
• Tip — The dollar amount of gratuity calculated from the subtotal and tip percentage.
• Total — The full amount owed including both the original subtotal and the tip.
• Per Person — Each individual's share of the total bill (subtotal + tip) divided equally among N people.

Tip = $85.50 × (20 / 100) = $85.50 × 0.20 = $17.10
Total = $85.50 + $17.10 = $102.60
Per Person = $102.60 ÷ 3 = $34.20

Result: Tip Amount: $17.10 | Total Bill: $102.60 | Each Person Pays: $34.20

In this example, a 20% tip on an $85.50 meal comes to $17.10. The full bill including tip is $102.60. Split three ways, each person owes $34.20 — a clean and fair division with no rounding issues in this case. If the per-person amount doesn't divide evenly to the cent, the calculator rounds to the nearest cent.

Understanding Tipping Norms

Tipping customs vary widely by country and industry, but in the United States, gratuity for sit-down restaurant service typically ranges from 15% to 25% of the bill:

• 15% — acceptable for adequate service
• 18% — the traditional standard for good service
• 20% — the current widely accepted norm for good service
• 25%+ — reserved for exceptional service

Should You Tip on the Pre-Tax or Post-Tax Amount?

Most etiquette guidelines suggest tipping on the pre-tax subtotal, since tax is not a service the server provides. However, tipping on the post-tax total is also common and makes mental math easier. The difference on a typical meal is small.

Other Industries Where Tipping Is Common

• Food delivery: 10–20%, often with a minimum of $3–$5
• Bartenders: $1–$2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab
• Taxi/rideshare: 15–20%
• Hair salons: 15–20%
• Hotel housekeeping: $2–$5 per night

Automatic Gratuity

Many restaurants add an automatic gratuity (typically 18–20%) for large parties (usually 6 or more). Always check your bill before adding an additional tip.

Splitting the Bill Unevenly

This calculator splits the bill equally among all people. If diners ordered different amounts, you may want to calculate each person's share separately and apply the tip percentage individually to each sub-total.

• **Tipping on the wrong base**: Accidentally tipping on the post-tax total when you intended the pre-tax subtotal (or vice versa) — decide which you prefer before entering the number.
• **Forgetting automatic gratuity**: Large-party bills often already include an 18–20% service charge. Tipping again on top of it means double-tipping.
• **Entering the wrong number of people**: Including or excluding someone from the split changes each person's share — double-check the headcount before calculating.
• **Confusing percent as a decimal**: Entering 0.20 instead of 20 for the tip percentage will give a tiny, incorrect tip. The calculator expects a whole number like 20 for 20%.
• **Ignoring rounding**: When the per-person amount doesn't divide evenly, someone must cover the leftover cent(s). Agree with your group on who rounds up.