Work out the tip, the total bill, and how much each person owes when splitting the check.
Multiply the bill by the tip percentage to get the tip amount, then add it to the bill for the total. Divide by the number of people to split it evenly.
Tip = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100)
Per Person = (Bill + Tip) ÷ Number of People
Tipping customs vary by country — in much of Europe and Asia, a service charge is often included and tipping is optional or minimal.
Etiquette experts generally agree that you only need to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since sales tax is money that goes to the government, not the server. In practice, many people simply tip on the total because it's easier and the difference is small. On a $100 bill with 8% tax, tipping 20% on the pre-tax amount is $20, while tipping on the $108 total is $21.60 — a $1.60 difference. This calculator applies your tip percentage to the bill amount you enter, so enter the pre-tax subtotal if you prefer the stricter etiquette.
Tipping norms differ dramatically by country, and assuming American habits abroad can lead to over-tipping or causing confusion:
When dining in a group, there are a few fair ways to divide the check. The simplest is an even split — add the tip to the total and divide by the number of people, which this calculator does automatically. If diners ordered very differently, an itemized split is fairer: each person pays for what they ordered, then everyone adds the same tip percentage to their own subtotal. For large parties, restaurants often add an automatic gratuity (typically 18–20%) — check the bill before adding more so you don't tip twice.
A standard 15% tip on $100 is $15 (total $115), 18% is $18 (total $118), and 20% is $20 (total $120). For exceptional service, 25% would be $25 (total $125). Use the calculator above to adjust for any percentage and to split the total between several people.
In the United States, 18–20% has become the typical tip for good sit-down restaurant service, while 15% is considered the floor for acceptable service. Twenty percent is increasingly the default, especially in cities and at higher-end establishments.
Add the tip to the bill to get the grand total, then divide by the number of people. For example, a $90 bill with a 20% tip is $108 total; split four ways, that's $27 each. Enter the number of people in the calculator and it computes the per-person amount instantly.
Tipping on takeout is optional. A 10% tip or a couple of dollars is a kind gesture if staff prepared a large or complex order, but it isn't expected the way it is for sit-down dining or delivery.
If the bill already lists a "service charge" or "gratuity" (common for large parties), that is the tip — you generally don't need to add more. Tip on top only if the service was outstanding and you want to reward it.