How to calculate a tip
Compute the tip from the bill and a percent, then split the total only after the tip is included once.
Short answer
Multiply the bill by the tip percent divided by 100. Add that tip to the bill. Divide the sum by the number of people if you are splitting evenly.
One tip, then the split
Decide what the percent applies to. Some people tip on the pre-tax subtotal. The calculator uses the bill you type, so remove tax first if that is your rule. A 20% tip on $64 is $12.80. The amount to settle is $76.80.
Split the $76.80, not the $64 and then the tip in a second conflicting way. Two people owe $38.40 each. If someone is not sharing a dish, do not force an even split; calculate the shared tip and add the individual items outside this formula.
Common mistakes
- Rounding every share up by a dollar and losing track of the extra.
Frequently asked questions
- What percent should I use?
- The calculator does not pick one. Custom varies. Enter the percent you intend to leave.