Tip Calculator (with bill split for groups)
Enter the bill, choose or type a tip percentage, and split the total across the table. Per-person amounts update as you type — no math, no awkward moments.
How it works
Why the right tip varies by country
In the United States, a tip of 18-22% is now the social norm at sit-down restaurants, with delivery and bar service typically at 15-20%. In the United Kingdom, 10-15% is standard and a service charge is often added automatically. In Japan and South Korea tipping is generally not expected and can even be considered rude in traditional establishments.
The tip presets here cover the common US/Canadian range. You can always type any custom value — the calculator just multiplies the bill by your percentage and divides the total across the number of people you specify.
Pre-tax vs post-tax tipping
There's a long debate over whether to tip on the pre-tax subtotal or the post-tax total. Pre-tax is more strictly 'fair' to the server's labor, but most diners and most card terminals default to post-tax because it's easier. The difference on a $50 bill at 8% sales tax and 20% tip is $0.80 — about a candy bar.
If you want to tip on pre-tax, divide your taxed total by 1 + (tax rate / 100) before entering it here. For most people the simpler post-tax approach is fine; the server doesn't care which line you used.
Splitting unevenly
When one person had the steak and another had a salad, splitting evenly isn't always fair. A common solution: each person reports their item subtotal, then everyone tips and tax-shares pro-rata. This calculator handles the simple even-split case, which works well for shared appetizers, takeout, and most casual outings.
For uneven splits, calculate each person's pre-tax subtotal, multiply by (1 + tax% + tip%) / 100, and you have their share. A separate per-item splitter is on the roadmap.
Frequently asked questions
›What's a standard tip in the US?
18-22% at sit-down restaurants, 15-20% for bar service, 15-20% for delivery, and a small per-bag tip ($1-2) for hotel staff. Counter service tips are optional.
›Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Either is socially acceptable. Pre-tax is technically fairer to servers; post-tax is what most card readers default to.
›Is a service charge the same as a tip?
No. A service charge is collected by the restaurant and may or may not go to staff. Read the bill — if a service charge is included, an additional tip is optional.
›How do I split unevenly?
This calculator handles even splits. For per-item splits, add up each person's items separately, multiply each by (1 + tax% + tip%), and that's their share.
›Why is the per-person amount not rounded?
We display two decimal places to match currency precision. Round up per person if you'd like to be generous, then verify the total covers the actual bill plus tip.
›Does the currency match my locale?
It uses USD by default and JPY when the page is in Japanese. Other locales show USD; we may add per-locale currency selection later.
›Should I tip on takeout?
Optional in most countries; in the US, 10-15% is increasingly expected when a real human prepares your order on-site.
›What if the service was bad?
It's acceptable to lower the tip below the standard range, but consider whether the issue was the server's fault. For serious problems, speak to a manager rather than only adjusting the tip.
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