Bill Splitter: Split the Check Fairly Every Time
Nobody wants to do arithmetic at the table. Enter the bill, tip percent, tax and party size, and this free bill splitter will divide everything fairly — showing exactly what each person owes, down to the cent.
Formulas verified against standard references. Calculator logic tested with verified worked examples. Last reviewed: October 2026. Our methodology
How the bill is split
Fair splitting means everyone shares every line proportionally:
- Tip amount = bill × tip % — calculated on the pre-tax subtotal, the standard convention.
- Tax amount = bill × tax %.
- Total = bill + tip + tax; each share = total ÷ people.
| $120 bill, 18% tip, 8% tax | Amount | Each of 4 pays |
|---|---|---|
| Subtotal | $120.00 | $30.00 |
| Tip (18%) | $21.60 | $5.40 |
| Tax (8%) | $9.60 | $2.40 |
| Total | $151.20 | $37.80 |
Tip on the pre-tax amount is the etiquette standard — tipping on the tax inflates the tip by the tax rate for no reason.
Worked example
Four friends share a $120 bill with 18% tip and 8% tax. Tip: 120 × 0.18 = $21.60. Tax: 120 × 0.08 = $9.60. Total: 120 + 21.60 + 9.60 = $151.20.
Each share: 151.20 ÷ 4 = $37.80 — covering $30.00 of food, $5.40 of tip and $2.40 of tax per person.
How to use the bill splitter
Grab the subtotal from the receipt (before tip), and let the calculator handle the division.
Step by step
- Enter the bill subtotal. Food and drinks before tip and tax.
- Enter the tip percent. 18–20% is standard for good service in the US.
- Enter the tax percent. From the receipt, or your local rate.
- Enter the number of people and press Calculate.
How much should you tip? The honest guide
Tip norms vary — here is the landscape:
| Service | Standard tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant (US) | 18–20% (15% minimum) |
| Bar | $1–2 per drink or 15–20% |
| Delivery | 15–20%, minimum a few dollars |
| Large parties (6+) | Check for auto-gratuity (often 18%) |
Tip on the pre-tax subtotal. And check the receipt before adding a tip — many restaurants auto-add gratuity for large parties, and double-tipping is the most common bill mistake. A tip calculator handles the tip math solo when no splitting is needed.
Splitting etiquette: keeping friends after dinner
The math is easy; the social part is not:
- Equal splits work when orders were similar — fastest and friendliest.
- Itemized splits are fairer when one person had salad and another had steak — but tip and tax still split proportionally.
- The "cover the change" rule: round your share up a dollar; the table thanks you.
- One person pays, others transfer — simplest for the restaurant, and payment apps settle it in seconds.
When in doubt, overpay slightly rather than underpay. Nobody ever lost a friend over an extra dollar on the bill.
Splitting with tax and discounts
Real receipts have wrinkles — handle them in order:
- Coupons/discounts: split the discounted subtotal, not the original — everyone shares the savings.
- Tax: split proportionally like everything else; it scales with what each person ordered.
- Alcohol: the classic friction point — non-drinkers should not subsidize the bar tab; split drinks as a separate subtotal.
- Rounding: shares rarely divide evenly; assign the leftover cents to whoever volunteers (or rotate the duty).
Frequently asked questions
How do you split a restaurant bill?
Add tip and tax to the subtotal, then divide by the number of people. $120 + 18% tip ($21.60) + 8% tax ($9.60) = $151.20 ÷ 4 = $37.80 each.
Should you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Pre-tax — the standard etiquette. Tipping on the tax inflates the tip for no reason; 18% of $120 is $21.60, but 18% of $129.60 is $23.33.
How much should you tip at a restaurant?
18–20% for good service in the US (15% minimum). Check the receipt first — large parties often have 18% gratuity added automatically.
How do you split the bill when someone drank alcohol?
Split food evenly, then split the bar tab only among drinkers. Non-drinkers should not subsidize alcohol — separate subtotals keep it fair.
What if the bill does not divide evenly?
It rarely does. Round each share up to the nearest dollar and let the extra cover the cents, or assign the remainder to a volunteer — rotating who covers it.
Should discounts be split too?
Yes — split the discounted subtotal so everyone shares the savings. Apply coupons before calculating tip and tax.
Is it rude to ask for separate checks?
Not at all — ask when ordering, not when paying. Kitchens and servers prefer advance notice, and it avoids the whole splitting negotiation.
