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Tip calculator and bill splitter

Enter the subtotal, the sales tax, the tip and how many people are paying. The calculator adds everything up, splits the bill and rounds each share up.

Educational simulation. Not investment advice. Results are estimates based on the data you enter and do not replace advice from a qualified professional.

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2026

Example: dinner for 3 with a $120 subtotal, 8% sales tax and an 18% tip.

The bill
Tip
Splitting

Tipping customs vary. Check the receipt for an automatic service charge so you do not tip twice.

Your inputs stay only on this browser and are not sent anywhere. Untick to delete them.

—Each person pays
—

Where the money goes

Food and drinks, tax, service, tip and what rounding adds.

Tap the chart to see the values.

Each share at other tip rates

Amount per person, before rounding, with tips from 0% to 25% and the rest of the bill unchanged.

Tap the chart to see the values.

Tip table

Same bill and number of people at several percentages.

Next step

Take this page’s results to another calculator with the fields already filled in.

Split another way (who paid what or by income) →

The summary lists your inputs, results, formulas, assumptions and sources. The full report also includes the charts and interpretations, in color. In the print dialog, choose Save as PDF.

Method, assumptions and sources

Formulas

Tax = subtotal × tax rate; service charge = subtotal × service rate
Tip = base × % (base = subtotal or subtotal + tax) or a fixed amount
Per person = (subtotal + tax + service + tip) ÷ people; rounded = ceiling(per person ÷ step) × step
Effective tip = (service + tip + rounding extra) ÷ subtotal

Assumptions and limits

  • Equal split. Tips and service charges are customs, not rules; the percentages are your choice and local practice varies.
  • Amounts are rounded to cents. Sales tax rates vary by state and city; enter the rate on your receipt.

Official sources and references

Frequently asked questions

What does this calculator do?

It closes out a restaurant or bar check: it adds sales tax, any service charge and the tip, splits the bill among the people at the table and rounds each share up, showing how much extra tip the rounding adds.

How much should I tip?

For table service in the U.S., 15% to 20% of the pre-tax subtotal is common, with 18% to 20% typical for good service. Counter service and takeout vary more. Customs differ by country, so the percentage is always your choice.

How do I read the example result?

Three people have a $120 subtotal. Tax at 8% is $9.60 and an 18% tip is $21.60, for a total of $151.20, or $50.40 each. Rounding up to the next dollar, each pays $51, the table leaves $153 and the effective tip is 19.5% of the subtotal.

Should I tip before or after tax?

Etiquette guides usually say before tax, on the subtotal. Tipping on the total is also common and only slightly higher: on this example, 18% after tax would be $23.33 instead of $21.60.

What if a service charge is already included?

Some restaurants add an automatic gratuity, often 18% to 20% for large groups. If it is on the receipt, it usually replaces the tip. Check the "service charge on the bill" box so the calculator shows it and you do not tip twice.

What if people ordered different amounts?

An equal split is only fair when everyone ordered about the same. Use the "Next step" button to take the total to the expense splitter, where you can list who had what.

Does it work for delivery and other services?

Yes. It works for any bill with a tip, such as delivery, rideshare, salons or hotels. Enter the amount, the percentage and the number of people.

Related calculators

See all in Everyday money ›

How to calculate the tip and split the bill

When the check arrives, three questions come up at once: is a service charge already included, how much should you tip, and how much does each person owe? This calculator answers all three.

Tip on the pre-tax subtotal

Etiquette guides usually suggest tipping on the subtotal before sales tax, commonly 15% to 20% for table service. Many people simply tip on the total; the difference is small, and the calculator lets you choose.

Service charges

Some restaurants add an automatic service charge or gratuity, often for groups of six or more. If it is on the receipt, it normally replaces the tip, so check before adding another one.

Split and round

In the example, three people have a $120 subtotal with 8% sales tax ($9.60) and an 18% tip ($21.60). The bill comes to $151.20, or $50.40 each. Rounding up to the next dollar, each pays $51 and the table leaves $153, an effective tip of 19.5%.

When an equal split is not fair

If one person ordered much more, an equal split weighs on the others. Take the total to the expense splitter and list who had what.