How it works
The bill is split into equal shares: total plus tip, divided by the number of people. If you choose a rounding option, each share is rounded up to the chosen amount (0.50, 1 or 5) and the difference goes towards the tip: the calculator shows what the tip becomes, so you can decide whether that suits you.
Tipping customs
Tipping habits vary a lot. In the United States 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is customary at restaurants, and leaving nothing is considered rude; in the United Kingdom 10-12.5% when service is not already added; in Germany and Austria people round up or leave 5-10%; in Italy and Spain tipping is optional, with a couple of euros or rounding up as a nice gesture; in Japan tips are not expected and may even be refused.
Practical tips
- If someone ordered much less than the others, equal shares can be unfair: work out their part separately and subtract it from the total first.
- For app or bank payments, rounding to 1 avoids awkward decimals.
- Check whether a service charge is already on the receipt: in that case the tip is an extra.
Frequently asked questions
How do you split a bill fairly?
The simplest way is equal shares. If orders differ a lot, everyone pays for their own and only shared items (starters, drinks, service) are divided.
How much should I tip?
It depends on the country: 15-20% in the US, 10-12.5% in the UK when service is not included, rounding up or 5-10% in much of Europe.
Does rounding increase the tip?
Yes: the difference between the rounded-up share and the exact one is added to the tip, and the calculator shows it.