The tip formula
Tip = bill × (tip % ÷ 100)Total = bill + tipPer person = total ÷ number of peopleWorked example
A bill of $86 with an 18% tip: the tip is 86 × 0.18 = $15.48, so the total is $101.48. Split between 4 people that is $25.37 each, of which $3.87 is each person's share of the tip. Try your own bill above — the split updates as you type.
What is a normal tip?
In the United States, 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is the usual range for table service: 15% for adequate service, 18–20% for good service, and more for exceptional service. Counter service and takeaway are commonly 0–10%. Customs differ sharply by country — in much of Europe a service charge is already included, and in Japan tipping is not expected at all. This calculator simply does the arithmetic on whatever percentage you choose; it does not decide what is polite.
Splitting fairly
An equal split is fair when everyone ordered roughly the same. When one person ordered much more (or much less) than the rest, a fairer method is to split the bill by what each person ordered and add the same tip percentage to each share — the tip percentage stays the same, only the base changes.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
The convention in the US is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal. The difference is small: on an $86 bill with 8% tax, tipping 18% post-tax adds about $1.24 extra. Either is acceptable; this calculator uses the amount you enter, so enter the pre-tax subtotal if that is your preference.
How do I split a tip when one person is not drinking?
Split the shared items equally and the individual items by person, then apply the tip percentage to each person's subtotal. Many groups simply agree on equal shares for goodwill — the calculator handles the equal-split case instantly.
What tip should I leave for delivery?
Common guidance is 10–15% of the order for delivery drivers, with a sensible minimum on small orders, and more in bad weather or for long distances. Fees the app charges are not the same as a tip to the driver.
Why does the per-person total not multiply back exactly?
Rounding. $101.48 ÷ 4 = $25.37 exactly here, but many totals leave a fraction of a cent per person; in practice one person covers the odd cent so the collected amount matches the total.