How to work out a tip and split a bill

Tip amount = bill × (tip % ÷ 100). Grand total = bill + tip. Per person = grand total ÷ number of people (for an equal split).

Example: £80 bill, 12.5% tip, 4 people. Tip = £10. Total = £90. Each person = £22.50. If service at 12.5% is already on the bill, adding another 12.5% double-tips unless that is what you intend.

Decide whether the “bill” you enter is before or after tax. In the US, people often tip on the pre-tax amount or the total — customs vary. Pick one method and be consistent at the table.

In the US, 15–20% is a common range for seated restaurant service, with more for exceptional service and different norms for cafés, delivery, and taxis. Check whether a mandatory service charge is already included for large parties.

In the UK, look at the bill for a service charge. If it is there, extra cash is optional. If it is not, rounding up or a modest percentage is common but not required in the same way as US dining.

VAT is already in UK restaurant prices. You do not add VAT on top of the tip calculation unless you are doing something unusual for business expenses — ask your accountant, not a tip tool.

Equal split is unfair if one person had a steak and another had a side salad. Calculate the tip on the whole bill first, then allocate shares manually, or have each person pay their items plus their share of the tip.

The Percentage Calculator can work out “what is 15% of my portion?” if you already know each person’s subtotal.

Card machines sometimes suggest percentages on the post-service-charge total. Read the screen before you tap.

Enter the amount you actually owe (after discounts, before or after service as you prefer). Adjust the percentage. If the machine rounds differently by a penny, that is normal.

Utiio does not process payments. It only does the maths. Confirm the card slip matches what you meant to pay.