Work out the tip and split the bill in seconds. Enter the bill amount, pick a tip percentage, and say how many people are sharing — this tip calculator shows the tip, the total, and exactly what each person pays.
About this tip calculator
This free tip calculator takes the awkward maths out of paying the bill. Enter the bill, choose how much you want to tip — tap a quick button or type your own percentage — and it instantly shows the tip amount and the grand total. Dining with friends? Enter how many people are sharing and it splits everything evenly so each person knows exactly what to pay. In the US, 15–20% is typical for table service, but tipping customs differ around the world, so the percentage is entirely up to you. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is stored.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calculate a tip?
- Multiply the bill by the tip percentage — a 20% tip on $50 is $10. This tool does it instantly.
- How much should I tip?
- 15–20% is common for table service in the US. Use the quick buttons or type any percentage you like.
- How do I split the bill?
- Enter the number of people and the bill plus tip is divided evenly between them.
The mechanics of gratuity
The standard method for calculating a gratuity involves multiplying the subtotal of the bill by the chosen percentage rate. To perform this manually, convert the percentage into a decimal by moving the decimal point two places to the left. Once you have the tip amount, add it to the original subtotal to reach the final grand total. If the bill requires splitting, divide the final total by the number of people in the group.
This convention of tipping as a percentage of the subtotal originated as a way to reward service quality while accounting for the varying costs of different meals. In many regions, the expectation is that the tip is calculated based on the pre-tax amount rather than the total including tax. Using the post-tax amount as the base for your percentage effectively increases the total tip paid, which is a common point of confusion for diners.
The most frequent error occurs when individuals apply a tip percentage to the wrong base figure. Specifically, applying a percentage to a total that already includes tax or a previous service charge results in an inflated gratuity. Additionally, failing to account for discounts or coupons can lead to over-tipping. Always identify the base subtotal before any taxes or discounts are applied to ensure the percentage accurately reflects the intended service reward.