How to split a bill and the tip
Work out the tip on the bill before tax, add the tax and the tip, then divide by the number of people. Round each share up if you want even amounts.
A worked example
Dinner for four. Food and drinks come to $70.00 and the tax is $6.65. The table tips 20 percent.
- Work out the tip on the bill before tax. 20 percent of $70.00 is $14.00.
- Add food, tax, and tip. $70.00 + $6.65 + $14.00 = $90.65.
- Divide by the number of people. $90.65 ÷ 4 = $22.6625, so each person pays $22.67. That covers $90.68, 3 cents over.
Should you tip on the amount before or after tax?
The Emily Post Institute's guidance for a sit-down restaurant is 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax. Tipping on the total with tax adds a little. In the example, 20 percent of $76.65 is $15.33, compared with $14.00 on the pre-tax amount.
Should you round the total or each share?
Both work. They give different tips, so it helps to know which one the table is doing.
| Method | Each pays | Table pays | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| No rounding | $22.67 | $90.68 | $14.03 |
| Round the total up to $91 | $22.75 | $91.00 | $14.35 |
| Round each share up to $23 | $23.00 | $92.00 | $15.35 |
Rounding the total keeps the tip close to what you planned. Rounding each share gives everyone a whole-dollar amount, which is easier when people pay in cash.
Let the app do the math
TipCard is a free iPhone tip calculator. Rate the service and it suggests a tip, then splits the bill between any number of people and rounds the total or each share.
How much to tip in the first place depends on the service. See how much to tip in the US.
Source
Emily Post Institute, General Tipping Guide, checked October 28, 2026. The worked example is our own arithmetic.