CALCSLIP

Tip calculator

The tip, the total and each person's share of the bill.

$
Tip
%
people

Handy for cash: the tip grows by the rounding.

Result

Each person pays
$49.86
Bill
$84.50
Tip (18%)
$15.21
Total
$99.71
Tip per person
$7.61

How this was calculated

  1. Tip

    Bill × tip ÷ 100

    $84.50 × 18 ÷ 100 = $15.21

  2. Total

    Bill + tip

    $84.50 + $15.21 = $99.71

  3. Each share

    Total ÷ people

    $99.71 ÷ 2 → $49.86

What this calculation assumes

  • The tip is worked out on the amount you enter. In the US many people tip on the price before sales tax; enter that figure if you prefer.
  • Customs differ by country: 15–20% is usual at US sit-down restaurants, while in much of Europe and Asia service is included or a small round-up is enough.

Working out the tip

Tip = bill × % ÷ 100 Each = (bill + tip) ÷ people

Multiply the bill by the tip percentage and divide by 100: 18% of $84.50 is $15.21, for a total of $99.71. Split between two people that is $49.86 each.

For quick mental math, find 10% by moving the decimal point one place ($8.45), double it for 20% ($16.90), and add half of 10% for 15% ($12.68).

Rounding up for cash

When everyone pays in cash, round each share up to a whole amount. The tape shows the tip that results and its real percentage, so you know the server is not short-changed by the rounding.

How much to tip

In the US, 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill is usual at sit-down restaurants, with 20% or more for excellent service. Many restaurants in Europe, Japan and Korea include service or do not expect a tip; rounding up or leaving small change is enough. Check whether a service charge is already on the bill before adding a tip.

Questions people ask

Should I tip on the total with tax or before tax?

Etiquette guides in the US suggest tipping on the pre-tax amount. Enter the subtotal if you want to do that; the difference is small.

How do I split unevenly?

Work out each person's items separately, or use the adding machine to total each person's dishes, then add the same tip percentage to each.

Is a service charge the same as a tip?

Not always. A service charge may be kept by the restaurant rather than passed to staff. Ask if you are unsure.