Split Bill Calculator

Splitting a bill is the kind of math no one wants to do at the table. This calculator handles the three steps in one pass: add the tip to the subtotal, divide the new total by the number of people, and round to a clean number per head.

Tipping etiquette varies by country. In the United States, 18–20% is standard for sit-down service; in much of Europe, service is included and a small round-up is sufficient; in Japan and parts of Asia, tipping can be considered rude. Use the quick-tip buttons to match local custom.

For uneven splits (one person had appetizers, another only dessert), the simplest approach is to itemize each subtotal, then apply the same tip percentage and split tax proportionally. For close groups, equal splits avoid awkward calculations and even out over many meals.

Splitting a restaurant bill evenly is the simplest case but often unfair when one person ordered the lobster and another ordered a salad. Itemised splitting is fairer but slower. Apps like Splitwise, Tab or Venmo's group-pay feature handle the awkward arithmetic in seconds. For a group of regulars who alternate paying, simple even splits over many meals usually average out without anyone keeping score.

Tipping conventions vary by country and context. In the United States, 18–22% on the pre-tax total is the modern standard for sit-down restaurants. Europe usually includes service in the menu price; an extra few euros for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected. Japan and most of East Asia do not tip at all and may even consider it rude. When in doubt, ask a local or check a current travel guide.

Tax-inclusive versus tax-exclusive pricing differs across regions. In Australia, the UK and most of continental Europe, the price on the menu includes VAT. In the United States and Canada, sales tax is added at the register. This calculator handles both — apply the tip to the pre-tax total when tax is added separately, and to the menu total when tax is already included.

Group bills with very different orders deserve more thoughtful handling. One option is to identify the "big spenders" and ask them to throw in extra. Another is to round each share up to the nearest dollar and use the surplus to cover the tip. The least graceful option is to let the same person quietly subsidise the group every time — over months and years that adds up to real money, and the resentment usually follows.