How the split is calculated
The math is simple, but doing it at the table after a long dinner is where mistakes happen. The tip is the bill multiplied by your chosen percentage; add it to the bill for the total, then divide by the number of people for an even split. This calculator also shows the tip per person, which is useful when someone is putting the whole bill on a card and collecting cash from the group.
An even split assumes everyone shares the bill equally. If one person ordered dramatically more, it's fine to split unevenly - but for small differences, most groups find that even splitting averages out over time and saves the awkward itemizing.
Frequently asked questions
How much should you tip in the US?
At sit-down restaurants, 15-20% of the bill is standard, with 18-20% increasingly the norm for good service. Tipping at counter-service spots is optional. For delivery, 10-15% with a reasonable minimum is typical.
Do you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Etiquette guides agree that tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is perfectly acceptable. In practice most people just tip on the total for simplicity - on a typical bill the difference is under a dollar or two either way.
Do you tip on takeout orders?
Tipping on takeout is optional. Nothing is expected for a quick counter pickup, but around 10% is appreciated for large or complicated orders that take real staff time to prepare and pack.