Tip Calculator
A tip calculator saves you doing mental arithmetic at the end of a meal. Enter the bill, choose a tip percentage and the number of diners, and it shows the tip, the total and each person’s share. If you like tidy amounts, it can round the total up to the next whole dollar.
How to use the tip calculator
- Enter the bill amount before the tip.
- Choose a tip percentage. Common choices are 15%, 18% and 20%.
- Enter how many people are splitting and read what each person owes.
Formula
Tip = bill × tip%, total = bill + tip and each person = total ÷ number of people. A quick mental method for 20%: move the decimal one place left and double it.
Worked examples
Dinner for four
An $86 bill with an 18% tip is $15.48 in tip and $101.48 in total. Split four ways, each person pays $25.37.
Rounding up
The same meal rounded up to the next dollar totals $102.00, making the tip $16.00 (18.6%).
Tipping made simple
Quick mental methods
| Tip | How to work it out | On $60 |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Move the decimal one place left | $6.00 |
| 15% | 10% plus half of 10% | $9.00 |
| 18% | 20% minus a tenth of 20% | $10.80 |
| 20% | Double 10% | $12.00 |
Customs around the world
Tipping norms vary a lot. In the United States, 15–20% is typical in sit-down restaurants. In many European countries service is included and rounding up or a small tip is common. In Japan and several other countries tipping is generally not expected. When travelling, check local custom.
Splitting the bill fairly
Equal splits are easy but not always fair. If one person had a much larger meal, add up each person’s items, then share tax and tip in proportion. Many groups round up the total so the tip stays generous and the maths stays simple.
Service charges
If the bill already includes a service charge, you may not need to add more. Look for the line on the receipt.
Practice problems
Try these yourself first, then check your answer. The answers come from the calculator above.
- 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
- A $47.50 bill with a 15% tip for 2 people.
Show answer
Tip: $7.13 · Total: $54.62 · Each person pays: $27.31
Common mistakes to avoid
- Tipping on the bill after tax when your custom is to tip on the pre-tax amount.
- Forgetting that some restaurants already add a service charge.
- Splitting evenly when one person ordered much more. Adjust manually in that case.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip?
Customs differ by country. In the United States 15–20% is common in restaurants; elsewhere tipping may be small or not expected.
How do I calculate 18% quickly?
Find 10% (move the decimal), then add 5% (half of 10%) and 3% (a third of 10%).
Should I tip on the tax?
Many people tip on the pre-tax amount. Both approaches are common.
Can I split unevenly?
This tool splits equally. For uneven shares calculate each person’s items plus their portion of tax and tip.
Reviewed September 26, 2026 by the SolveCalcPro editorial team. Found a mistake? Tell us; see our editorial policy.