How to Calculate a Tip and Split the Bill
5 min read · Updated September 26, 2026 · by the SolveCalcPro editorial team
Tipping maths is just percentages in disguise, which is good news: there are a few reliable shortcuts that let you work out a tip in your head in seconds. This guide shows the quick methods, the exact formula, and how to split the total fairly when several people share a bill.
The exact formula
Tip = bill × (tip percent ÷ 100), and total = bill + tip. To split between people, each pays = total ÷ number of people.
Example: an $85 bill with an 18% tip is $85 × 0.18 = $15.30 tip, for a total of $100.30; split two ways, each person pays $50.15.
The 10% shortcut
Ten percent of any amount is the amount with the decimal point moved one place left: 10% of $85 is $8.50. Everything else builds from there.
| Tip | How to get it from 10% | On an $85 bill |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Move the decimal one place | $8.50 |
| 15% | 10% plus half of 10% | $12.75 |
| 20% | Double the 10% | $17.00 |
| 18% | 20% minus a tenth of the 20% | $15.30 |
Typical tipping norms
- United States: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants is standard; 18–20% is common for good service.
- Canada: similar to the US, around 15–20%.
- United Kingdom: 10–12.5% is often added as a discretionary service charge; check the bill before adding more.
- Australia and New Zealand: tipping is optional and modest, often rounding up or 5–10% for excellent service.
Norms change, and some venues already include a service charge — read the bill first so you don’t tip twice.
Splitting the bill fairly
If everyone ordered about the same, divide the total evenly. If not, compute each person’s share of the pre-tip bill, then tip on that share. When you want round numbers to hand over in cash, round the total up: the calculator’s “round up” option takes $101.00 as the total instead and reports the effective tip rate, 18.82352941%.
Practice questions
Test yourself, then tap to check. Answers are calculated by the tools linked below.
- A $120 bill with a 20% tip split 5 ways. What does each person pay?
Show answer
Tip: $24.00 · Total: $144.00 · Each person pays: $28.80
- What is 35% of 240?
Show answer
35% of 240: 84
- A $120 jacket is 30% off with an extra 10% coupon and 7% tax. What is the total?
Show answer
Sale price (before tax): $75.60
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly?
Find 10% by moving the decimal one place left, then double it. For a $64 bill: 10% is $6.40, so 20% is $12.80.
Should I tip on the bill before or after tax?
Many people tip on the pre-tax amount; tipping on the total is also common and simply a little more generous. Either is acceptable.
How do I split a bill with different orders?
Work out each person’s share of the pre-tip bill, add the same tip percentage and divide any shared items evenly.
Is tipping expected everywhere?
No. Customs vary by country; in some places a service charge is included or tipping is not customary.
Try it yourself
Tip CalculatorCalculate the tip, the total and each person’s share of a bill.Percentage CalculatorFind a percent of a number, percent change, and increases or decreases.Discount CalculatorWork out the sale price, the savings and the final total with tax after one or two discounts.Keep learning
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