Tip, Tax & Split Calculator
Split a restaurant bill fairly across a group with sales tax and tip added — and choose whether the tip is figured before or after tax.
How it works
Tax = bill × tax% · Tip = (pre- or post-tax base) × tip% · Total = bill + tax + tip · Per person = total ÷ people
The order of operations changes the number. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the customary approach in most of the US, since the tax is not the server’s to earn. Tipping on the post-tax total is a little more generous. Splitting evenly divides the grand total by the headcount; this stays exact rather than rounding each share.
Worked example
On a $120 bill with 8% tax and an 18% pre-tax tip: tax is 120 × 0.08 = $9.60, tip is 120 × 0.18 = $21.60, total is $151.20. Split four ways that is $37.80 each.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Convention in the US is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, because sales tax goes to the government, not the restaurant. Tipping on the post-tax total is optional and slightly more generous — this calculator lets you pick.
How is the bill split?
The grand total (bill + tax + tip) is divided evenly by the number of people. For unequal shares, split by each person’s ordered items and apply tax and tip proportionally.
Does the headcount have to be a whole number?
Yes — you cannot split a bill among a fractional number of people, so the count is rounded down to at least one.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.