The Free Online Tip Calculator That Handles Any Split
Split a dinner bill six ways, apply tax correctly, and figure out US vs UK tipping etiquette.
Why Use a Tip Calculator At All?
Restaurant bills now often arrive as touchscreen prompts rather than paper receipts, and the suggested tip percentages are creeping upward — 22%, 25%, even 30% default options. Doing the maths in your head at a crowded table, after a few drinks, under pressure, is a recipe for over-tipping or under-tipping. Our free tip calculator gives you the exact amount instantly.
The Simple Tip Formula
Tip = Bill Amount × Tip Percentage ÷ 100.
Example: $87.50 bill × 20% = $17.50 tip. Total = $105.
Two mental shortcuts work well:
- For 10%: move the decimal one place left. $87.50 → $8.75.
- For 20%: double the 10% number. $8.75 × 2 = $17.50.
- For 15%: add half of 10% to 10%. $8.75 + $4.38 = $13.13.
US Tipping: What's Actually Expected in 2026
- Sit-down restaurants: 18–20% is standard for adequate service. 15% is increasingly considered low. 25% for exceptional service or large parties.
- Counter service (coffee, fast-casual): Optional. 10–15% if you want to tip, but not expected.
- Delivery: 15–20% with a $3–5 minimum. Drivers use their own cars and fuel.
- Takeout: 10% is a kind gesture, not required.
- Bartenders: $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% of the total tab.
- Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): 15–20% is standard, though many riders tip less.
UK Tipping: Simpler, Lower, Sometimes Included
- Sit-down restaurants: 10% is polite, 12.5% is generous. Many restaurants in London automatically add a 12.5% service charge — check the bill before adding more.
- Pubs: No tipping required for drinks. If ordering food at the bar, tipping is optional.
- Takeout or fast food: Not expected.
- Taxis: Round up to the nearest pound, or 10% for black cab journeys.
- Hairdressers: 10% is customary.
Always check whether a service charge has already been added. Paying twice on the same bill is a common tourist trap.
Splitting the Bill Evenly
Our tip calculator handles any group size. For a $180 bill split six ways with a 20% tip:
- Tip amount = $180 × 20% = $36
- Total = $216
- Per person = $216 ÷ 6 = $36 each
Splitting Unevenly (The Messier Version)
If one person ordered the £42 steak and another had a £14 pasta, splitting evenly isn't fair. Add each person's own food cost, then add a proportional share of tax and tip. Our calculator has a "split by share" mode for this — or take each person's subtotal, multiply by 1.20 (for 20% tip) or 1.125 (for 12.5%), and that's what they owe.
Tip on Pre-Tax or Post-Tax?
In the US, tipping on the pre-tax amount is technically more traditional. Tipping on the post-tax amount is simpler and slightly more generous. On a $50 meal with 8% tax, the difference is $0.80 — so pick whichever is easier and move on. Many tip calculators let you choose.
What About Buffets, Self-Serve, and To-Go Orders?
Buffet (US): 10% for the server who refills drinks and clears plates.
Self-serve or counter pickup: Optional everywhere. A jar is fine to ignore.
To-go from a sit-down restaurant: 5–10% is considerate because someone packaged the food. Not required.
Tipping When Traveling
Tipping norms vary wildly by country. Japan: don't tip — it's often considered offensive. France: service is included by law (service compris), though rounding up is appreciated. Australia: 10% in finer restaurants, otherwise optional. Italy: cover charge (coperto) is the tip. When in doubt, check a country-specific guide before you travel.
Quick Reference Table
| Bill | 15% | 18% | 20% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | $3.75 | $4.50 | $5.00 | $6.25 |
| $50 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $200 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |