Everyday Tools
Tip Splitter for Groups
Split a group bill fairly: enter the bill, the tip percentage, and the number of people, and see the total with tip and what each person owes.
Calculation inputs
If the bill already includes sales tax, say so and enter the tax rate — the tip is then figured on the pre-tax amount.
Results
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Complete the fields and select Calculate to show results here.
About this calculator
This tool splits a restaurant bill plus tip evenly across a group. Enter the bill, the tip percentage, and the headcount, and it shows the total with tip, what each person pays, and the tip per person.
How the calculation works
- Tip base = bill, or bill ÷ (1 + tax rate) when tax is included
- Tip = tip base × tip %
- Total = bill + tip; per person = total ÷ number of people
Notes and assumptions
Tipping on the pre-tax amount is the common convention, since tax goes to the government rather than the server.
For large parties, check the receipt first — many restaurants add an automatic gratuity of 18% or more.
How it works in plain English
The tip is calculated first. If the bill does not include sales tax, the tip is simply the bill multiplied by the tip percentage. If the bill already includes tax, the tool works backwards to the pre-tax amount — dividing the bill by one plus the tax rate — and applies the tip to that, following the common convention of tipping on the pre-tax total.
The total with tip is the bill plus the tip. Dividing that total by the number of people gives each person's share, and the breakdown also shows the tip per person and each person's share of the bill before tip.
An even split is the simplest way to settle a group meal, but it is only fair when everyone ordered roughly the same amount. For very uneven orders, dividing item by item is more accurate.
The formula
- Tip base = bill, or bill ÷ (1 + tax rate) when tax is included
- Tip = tip base × tip %
- Total = bill + tip; per person = total ÷ people
Worked example
Four friends share a dinner and the bill comes to $86.40 including 8% sales tax. They want to leave an 18% tip on the pre-tax amount.
The pre-tax amount is $86.40 ÷ 1.08, which is $80.00. The tip is 18% of $80, or $14.40, making the total with tip $100.80.
Split four ways, each person pays $25.20 — that is $21.60 of the bill each plus $3.60 of tip each.
Common tipping conventions (US)
| Service | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant, standard service | 15–20% |
| Exceptional service | 20–25% |
| Large party (often automatic) | 18–20% added to the bill |
| Takeout / counter service | Optional, up to 10% |
| Delivery | 10–15% |
Source: widely published US etiquette guidance (e.g. Emily Post Institute); actual norms vary by region and establishment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
The common convention is to tip on the pre-tax amount, since sales tax goes to the government rather than to the staff. In practice many people tip on the final total for simplicity, and the difference is small — on an 8% tax rate it changes the tip by under 8% of itself.
How is this different from the Tip Calculator on this site?
The Tip Calculator is built for a single diner working out a tip and total. This tool is built for groups: it divides the bill and tip across any number of people and can back out included sales tax before figuring the tip.
What if the restaurant already added a gratuity?
Check the receipt before tipping — many restaurants add an automatic gratuity of 18% or more for large parties, and it appears as a line on the bill. If it is already there, you do not need to add another tip unless you want to reward exceptional service.
What if some people ordered much more than others?
An even split is only fair when orders are roughly equal. When they are not, add up each person's items, apply the tax and tip proportionally, and settle that way. The per-person figure here is best treated as a quick, friendly average.
How do I handle rounding when paying in cash?
Round each person's share up to the nearest dollar and let the small overage become part of the tip. Four people paying $26 each on a $100.80 total leaves $104, which covers the bill with a slightly larger tip and no coins to juggle.
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