How to use the Tip Calculator
- Enter the bill amount — the pre-tax subtotal if you want the conventional basis.
- Choose the tip percentage.
- Enter the number of people sharing the bill.
- Read the tip, the grand total and the per-person amount.
How the calculation works
The tip is a straight percentage of whichever base you choose. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the conventional practice in the United States, since tax is not part of the service; tipping on the post-tax total is common and simply slightly more generous. Where a service charge already appears as a line item, an additional tip is discretionary.
Splitting is cleanest when the tip is calculated on the whole bill first and then divided. Dividing the bill first, rounding each share and tipping individually leaves a shortfall that nobody notices until the total does not reconcile. Where shares are rounded up to whole units, the surplus simply adds to the tip.
Tip = bill × rate ; Total = bill + tip ; Per person = Total / peopleSource: Standard percentage arithmetic; tipping-base convention per US restaurant practice.
Worked example
A subtotal of 137.40 plus 8.25% sales tax, tipped at 20%, split between five people.
- Tip on the pre-tax subtotal: 137.40 × 0.20 = 27.48.
- Sales tax = 137.40 × 0.0825 = 11.33.
- Grand total = 137.40 + 11.33 + 27.48 = 176.21.
- Per person = 176.21 / 5 = 35.24.
A tip of 27.48 and a total of 176.21 — about 35.25 each, or 36 each if you round up and let the surplus swell the tip.
Frequently asked questions
What is a standard tip percentage?+
In US restaurants, 18 to 20% for table service is now typical, with 15% at the lower end. Norms differ widely by country — in much of Europe and Asia rounding up or nothing at all is normal.
Should I tip on the tax?+
Convention says tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since sales tax is not part of the service. Tipping on the total is common and simply a slightly larger tip.
What if a service charge is already on the bill?+
Then the gratuity is already collected, and an extra tip is optional. Check whether the charge is described as discretionary and, if it matters to you, whether it reaches staff.
How should we split when people ordered very differently?+
Split by item, then apply tax and tip pro rata to each person's subtotal. An even split is simpler but overcharges the person who had a salad and water.
Last reviewed August 31, 2026. We review this page whenever the underlying formula, tax year, published rate or standard changes.