How the tip is calculated
The tip is simply a percentage of the bill: tip = bill × percentage ÷ 100. Add it to the bill for the total, and divide the total by the number of people to get each share. The calculator updates as you type, so you can nudge the percentage or the headcount and watch every figure change instantly.
Worked example
A $86.40 dinner, tipped at 18%, split three ways: the tip is 86.40 × 18 ÷ 100 = $15.55. The total becomes 86.40 + 15.55 = $101.95, which divided by three is about $33.98 each. Rounding each person up to $34 covers it neatly and leaves a few cents extra for the server.
How much should you tip?
Customs vary a lot by country and situation. In the United States these are typical:
- Sit-down restaurants: 15–20%, with 18–20% for good service.
- Counter service, coffee, takeout: 0–10%, or a small round-up — tipping is optional.
- Food delivery: 10–15%, often with a minimum of a few dollars, more in bad weather.
- Bars: about $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% on a tab.
- Taxis and rideshares: 10–15%.
- Hairdressers and personal services: 15–20%.
In much of Europe, Japan, and Australia the norms are very different — service is frequently included in the bill, and a small round-up or 5–10% is generous rather than expected. When travelling, a quick check of local custom saves both over- and under-tipping.
Tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Traditionally tips are calculated on the pre-tax subtotal, since the tax isn't part of the service. Tipping on the post-tax total is also common and simply adds a little more. Either is fine; if you want to be precise, use the pre-tax figure. Card machines that suggest tip amounts usually base them on the post-tax total, which quietly nudges the tip up.
Frequently asked questions
How do I split a bill unevenly?
This calculator splits the total equally, which covers most nights out. For uneven shares — where one person had far more — total each person's own items first, then apply the same tip percentage to each subtotal.
What's a quick way to estimate 20%?
Find 10% by moving the decimal one place left, then double it. On a $45 bill, 10% is $4.50, so 20% is $9. For 15%, take 10% plus half of it again ($4.50 + $2.25 = $6.75).
Should I tip on the delivery fee?
The delivery fee usually goes to the company, not the driver, so tip on the food total and treat the tip as separate from that fee.
Related: the Percentage Calculator for any other percentage, and the Unit Converter for travel.