How to Calculate a Tip (and Split the Bill)

Start from 10%

10% of any bill is just the total with the decimal point moved one place left: 10% of $50 is $5.00, 10% of $84 is $8.40. Every other tip is built from that anchor.

For 20%, double the 10%. For 15%, take the 10% plus half of it. For 18%, take 20% and shave a little. On $50: 10% is $5, so 20% is $10 and 15% is $7.50.

Splitting the bill

Add the tip to the total first, then divide by the number of people. A $120 meal with a 20% tip is $144; split four ways, that is $36 each. Dividing before adding the tip works too, as long as everyone adds their share of the tip afterwards — but adding first is cleaner.

The Tip Calculator lets you set the percentage and the number of people and shows the per-person amount at once.

Pre-tax or post-tax?

Strictly, a tip rewards service, so it is usually figured on the pre-tax subtotal. In practice many people tip on the total including tax because it is faster, and the difference is small — an 8% tax on a $50 meal moves a 20% tip by about 80 cents. Either is fine; just be consistent.

Frequently asked questions

What is a standard tip? In the US, 15-20% for sit-down service is typical; norms vary widely by country, so check local custom when travelling.

Do I tip on the delivery fee? No — a delivery fee is not a tip and usually does not go to the driver, so tip on the food total separately.

How do I round nicely? Pick the tip that makes the total a round number — it is easier to split and to remember.