🍽️ Bill Splitter

How to Split a Bill Fairly — and Avoid the Awkward Moment

Equal splitting is the simplest and most common approach: add up the total bill, add the tip, and divide by the number of people. That's what this calculator does. But fair splitting sometimes requires more nuance, especially when people ordered very different amounts or when some guests are more budget-conscious than others.

The "individual item" split — where each person pays only for what they ordered — is more accurate but more time-consuming. It's best handled at payment time with separate receipts or a dedicated bill-splitting app like Splitwise, rather than with a single-total calculator. For groups where everyone had roughly similar meals and drinks, equal splitting saves time and avoids awkwardness.

Tipping customs vary by country. In , 10–15% is customary for good service at a sit-down restaurant. It's typically given in cash directly to the server rather than added to a card payment, since card tips may not always reach the service staff directly. For exceptional service, 15–20% is appropriate. At fast food or counter-service venues, tipping is not expected. Delivery tips of $10–$20 per order are becoming more common and are appreciated given the physically demanding nature of the work.

In the United States, 15–20% is the standard minimum tip at a sit-down restaurant, with 20%+ for excellent service. American service staff often rely on tips as a substantial portion of their income due to lower minimum wage laws for tipped workers, which is different from 's minimum wage structure.

Service charges: some restaurants automatically include a service charge (typically 10–12.5%) on the bill for large groups. Check your bill before adding an additional tip — double tipping is unnecessary in that case, though leaving something extra for genuinely excellent service is always appreciated.