How the tip and split are worked out
Tip = (bill − tax, if you tip before tax) × tip % ÷ 100
Total = bill + tip
Each share = total ÷ number of people
The tip is rounded to the nearest cent. When the total does not split evenly, the leftover cents go to some of the people, so the shares always add up to exactly the total. With rounding switched on, the total or each share is raised to the next whole dollar and the extra becomes part of the tip.
Worked example: $84.50 between three people at 18%
The tip is 84.50 × 0.18 = $15.21, so the total is $99.71. Split three ways that is $33.2367 each, which cannot be paid exactly: one person pays $33.23 and two pay $33.24. If everyone rounds their share up instead, each pays $34.00, the total is $102.00 and the tip becomes $17.50, or 20.7% of the bill.
Tips on common bills
| Bill | 15% | 18% | 20% | 22% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $11.00 | $12.50 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $22.00 | $25.00 |
Before you tip, check the receipt for a service charge or "gratuity included" line, which is common for larger groups. If it is there, the tip has already been added.
Questions people ask
How do I work out a 20% tip quickly?
Move the decimal point one place left to get 10%, then double it. On an $84.50 bill, 10% is $8.45, so 20% is $16.90. For 15%, add half of the 10% figure: $8.45 + $4.23 = $12.68.
Should I tip on the total before or after tax?
Either is common. Tipping on the pre-tax amount is slightly smaller. Enter the tax shown on your receipt in the "Tax included in the bill" box and the tip is worked out on the amount before tax.
How do you split a bill when it does not divide evenly?
Someone has to pay an extra cent or two. $99.71 split three ways is $33.236…, so the calculator shows one person paying $33.23 and two paying $33.24, which adds up to exactly $99.71. Or round each share up to a whole dollar and the extra goes to the tip.
What does rounding up do to the tip?
Rounding never takes money off. "Round the total" pays the next whole dollar and the difference is added to the tip. "Round each share" rounds every person's share up, which can add up to a few dollars across a big group. The ticket shows the tip percentage you actually end up leaving.