Everyday Tools
Tip Calculator
Work out the tip on a bill and how much each person owes when splitting it.
Calculation inputs
Set the number of people to 1 if you are paying alone.
Results
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Complete the fields and select Calculate to show results here.
About this calculator
A tip calculator works out how much to leave on a bill and how much each person owes when the cost is being split. It is a quick way to avoid mental math at a restaurant table or when settling a shared expense.
How the calculation works
- Tip = bill × tip % ÷ 100
- Total = bill + tip
- Per person = total ÷ number of people
Notes and assumptions
Some bills already include a service charge — check before adding a tip on top.
How it works in plain English
The tip amount comes from multiplying the bill total by the chosen tip percentage. Adding that tip to the original bill gives the total amount due, which covers both the cost of the meal or service and the gratuity on top of it.
When more than one person is splitting the cost, the total is divided evenly across the number of people entered, giving a per-person amount that includes their share of both the bill and the tip. The calculator also shows the tip portion and the pre-tip bill portion per person separately, which is handy if people want to see the tip amount on its own.
Tip percentage is a personal and cultural choice rather than a fixed rule, so the calculator simply applies whatever percentage is entered. It's worth checking a bill for an already-included service charge before adding a further tip on top, since some restaurants automatically add gratuity for larger groups.
The formula
- Tip = bill x (tip % / 100)
- Total = bill + tip
- Amount per person = total / number of people
Worked example
A dinner bill comes to $84.50 and the group wants to leave an 18% tip, split between 2 people. The tip is 84.50 x 0.18 = $15.21. The total bill becomes 84.50 + 15.21 = $99.71. Splitting that between two people gives $49.86 each. Broken down further, each person's share of the tip alone is $15.21 / 2 = $7.61, and their share of the bill before tip is $84.50 / 2 = $42.25. If the group later decided a 20% tip felt more appropriate for good service, the tip would rise to 84.50 x 0.20 = $16.90, pushing the total to $101.40 and each person's share to $50.70, a difference of about 84 cents per person compared with the 18% option.
Common US tipping ranges
| Service | Typical tip range |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15% to 20% |
| Counter service or takeout | 0% to 10% |
| Delivery | 10% to 20% |
| Hairdresser or barber | 15% to 20% |
| Taxi or rideshare | 10% to 20% |
Ranges reflect commonly cited US tipping customs and vary by service type and region.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the total before or after tax?
Conventions vary, but many people calculate the tip on the pre-tax subtotal rather than the tax-inclusive total. Either approach is commonly accepted; the difference in dollar terms is usually small. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is generally seen as accurate to the actual cost of goods or service received, while tipping on the total including tax is simpler since it uses the number printed at the bottom of the receipt. Neither choice is considered incorrect in everyday practice.
What if the bill already includes a service charge?
Check the receipt carefully, since some restaurants automatically add a gratuity or service charge for larger parties. If one is already included, an additional tip is optional rather than expected. Some venues label this clearly as 'gratuity included' or 'service charge,' while others bury it in a subtotal line, so it helps to read the full receipt before deciding. Leaving a small additional amount on top is still common for exceptional service even when a charge is already included.
How do I split a bill unevenly?
This calculator assumes an even split across everyone. For uneven splits, such as one person ordering more expensive items, you would need to divide the bill manually by each person's actual share before applying the tip percentage.
Is there a standard tip percentage?
There is no fixed rule, but in the US, 15% to 20% is a commonly cited range for full-service restaurants, with 20% often seen as generous for good service and 15% considered a baseline. Outside full-service dining, expectations shift: counter service and takeout often see no tip or a small optional one, while delivery and personal services like haircuts commonly fall in a similar 15% to 20% band. Regional and cultural norms can also shift what feels typical in a given area.
Does the calculator round the tip amount?
The tip and total are calculated to the cent based on the exact percentage entered. You can always round the final amount up for convenience when paying in cash. Because payment terminals and receipts typically show two decimal places, the displayed tip and total already match what you'd see charged to a card. When paying with cash, rounding to the nearest dollar for convenience won't meaningfully change the amount you're leaving as a tip.