How the bill is calculated

Multiply the pre-tip bill by the tip percentage expressed as a decimal. A 20% tip on $50 is $10. Add the tip to the bill, then divide the total by the number of people.

Should tax be included?

Customs vary. Some people tip on the subtotal before tax, while others tip on the final amount. Use whichever bill value matches local practice and your preference.

Handling unequal orders

An equal split is convenient only when everyone agrees. If orders differ substantially, calculate each person’s food and drink first, assign shared items, and apply the chosen tip consistently.

Worked table example

For an $84.50 amount and a 20% tip, the tip is $16.90 and the combined total is $101.40. Split equally among three people, that is $33.80 each. You can check the result in the opposite direction: $33.80 multiplied by three returns $101.40, and subtracting $84.50 returns the $16.90 tip. If a payment app rounds each person separately, make sure the rounded shares still add to the intended bill total; assign any one-cent remainder rather than silently losing or adding money.

Use the number printed on the receipt

Confirm whether the starting amount already contains tax, a service charge, gratuity, delivery fee, discount, or prepaid deposit. A mandatory service charge is not automatically the same as a voluntary tip, and local rules determine how it is treated. When diners pay for different orders, calculate each share from itemized charges first and distribute tax, fees, shared items, and tip under an agreed rule. This calculator performs one equal split and does not settle those choices.

Tipping customs differ by country, service type, and venue. The calculator does not recommend a particular rate.