How to calculate a tip
A tip is a percentage of the bill that rewards service. To find it, convert the percentage to a decimal and multiply by the bill:
Tip = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100)
Total = Bill + Tip
For a $60 bill at 18%: 60 × 0.18 = $10.80 tip, for a total of $70.80. Splitting between three people is $23.60 each.
How much to tip
- Sit-down restaurant: 15–20% is standard; 18% is a safe default.
- Exceptional service: 20% or more.
- Counter / takeout: 0–10%, or round up.
- Delivery: 10–15%, with a few dollars minimum.
Customs vary by country — tipping is expected in the U.S. but optional or even unusual elsewhere. When in doubt, match local practice.
Splitting the check fairly
The easiest fair split is to add the tip to the bill and divide by the number of people, which is what this calculator shows. If orders differ a lot, you can instead split by what each person had and tip proportionally — but for most groups, an even split keeps things simple and friendly.
A quick example
Four friends share a $96 dinner and want to leave 20%. The tip is $19.20, the total is $115.20, and each person pays $28.80. Bump the tip to 22% for great service and the per-person total rises to about $29.28.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate a tip?
Multiply the bill by the tip percentage as a decimal. For a $60 bill at 18%, that is 60 × 0.18 = $10.80, making the total $70.80. To split it, divide the total by the number of people.
How much should I tip?
In the U.S., 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for sit-down restaurant service, with 18% a common default and 20%+ for great service. Counter service, delivery, and other situations vary, so adjust to local norms and the service you received.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically correct, since the tax is not part of the service. Many people tip on the total for simplicity. This calculator applies your percentage to whatever bill amount you enter, so enter the subtotal if you want a pre-tax tip.
How do I split a bill with an uneven tip?
The simplest fair method is to total the bill, add the tip, then divide by the number of people. This calculator does that automatically and shows the per-person amount. For very different orders, some groups prefer to split by what each person ordered.