How to calculate a tip and split the bill
Working out a tip is simple mental arithmetic once you know the percentage, but splitting an uneven bill between a group is where mistakes happen. A tip calculator removes the guesswork.
How to calculate a tip by hand
The quickest method is to move the decimal point. A 10% tip is the bill divided by ten; a 20% tip is that number doubled. For 15%, take 10% and add half of it again.
On a $48.00 bill, 10% is $4.80, so 20% is $9.60 and 15% is $7.20. Always round up if you are paying cash and want to leave a clean amount.
How to split a bill fairly
To split evenly, add the tip to the total and divide by the number of people. Splitting unevenly — one person had the steak, another only a salad — is easier with a calculator that shows each person's share.
- Enter the bill amount and tip percentage.
- Set the number of people splitting the bill.
- Read the total, the tip and the per-person amount instantly.
Related everyday maths
The same percentage skills come up constantly: sale discounts, sales tax, and price increases. The Discount Calculator finds the final price after a percentage reduction, and the Percentage Calculator handles increases, decreases and 'what is X% of Y' questions.
When you are eating out abroad, remember that tipping customs differ — 15–20% is standard in the US, while in many European countries a service charge is already included and 5–10% is a polite extra.