Restaurant Bill Split Calculator
Example: Pre-tax subtotal: 120 $ · Sales tax rate: 8 % · Tip rate: 20 % · Number of people: 4 people
| Each person pays | $38 |
| Grand total | $154 |
| Tip plus tax added | $34 |
Worked example
Start with a $120 subtotal, 8% tax, and a 20% tip. Tax adds $9.60 and the tip (on the pre-tax subtotal) adds $24, so tip plus tax is $33.60 and the grand total is $153.60. Split four ways, each person pays $38.40. Because the tip is figured on the subtotal rather than the taxed amount, nobody accidentally tips on the tax.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tip on the subtotal or the taxed amount?
It tips on the pre-tax subtotal, which is the common convention because the tip rewards service, not the tax collected by the state. Tax is then added on its own line. If you prefer to tip on the post-tax total, simply enter that larger figure as the subtotal.
How do I handle unequal orders?
An even split is fairest when everyone ordered similarly. If orders differ a lot, split the subtotal by what each person actually ordered, then have each person add their proportional share of the tax and tip. For roughly equal meals, the even split this tool provides is simplest.
What tax rate should I enter?
Use your local sales tax rate on restaurant meals, which varies by state and sometimes city, and can differ for prepared food versus groceries. The rate is usually printed on the receipt, so you can match it exactly, or estimate from your area''s known rate.
Why separate tip plus tax as its own result?
It shows how much the extras add on top of the food itself, which is often larger than people expect once a fifth or more is tacked on. Seeing that figure helps groups understand where the total came from and makes it easy to adjust the tip if needed.