The bill lands, everyone looks at each other, and someone reaches for their phone. Calculating a tip is simple percentage math, and splitting it is just division — but doing both quickly, out loud, under mild social pressure is the real skill. Here are the shortcuts, plus a free tip calculator that also splits the bill.
The tip formula
Tip = bill × (percent ÷ 100), and total = bill + tip. A 20% tip on a ₹1,200 bill is 1,200 × 0.20 = ₹240, for a ₹1,440 total.
Quick mental math
- 10% — move the decimal one place: ₹1,200 → ₹120.
- 20% — that 10%, doubled: ₹240.
- 15% — 10% plus half of it: ₹120 + ₹60 = ₹180.
- 18% — easiest as 20% minus a touch, or just round 15–20% to a neat total.
Rounding the final total up to a round number is the fastest real-world move.
Splitting the bill
Add the tip first, then divide the total by the number of people: per person = (bill + tip) ÷ people. A ₹1,440 total across 4 diners is ₹360 each. For uneven splits (someone skipped dessert), work out each share of the bill, then add that person's proportional tip. The calculator handles both even and custom splits.
Should you tip before or after tax?
Strictly, a tip rewards service, so it's calculated on the pre-tax food-and-drink subtotal. In practice many people just tip on the total because it's simpler and the difference is small. Either is fine — pick one and don't overthink it. The underlying math is the same percentage-of-a-number covered in the percentage guide.
FAQ
What's a standard tip? It varies by country — commonly 15–20% in the US, often optional or rounded elsewhere.
How do I split a bill with a tip? Add the tip to the bill, then divide by the number of people.
Tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount? Traditionally pre-tax, but tipping on the total is common and fine.
Is my data private? Yes — the calculator runs in your browser and stores nothing.