Splitting a bill is easy when everyone ordered similar amounts. When orders differ, agreeing on a method before calculating can prevent awkward surprises.
Use an equal split for similar orders
Add the bill and tip, then divide by the number of people. An $86 bill with an 18% tip totals $101.48. Split between two people, that is $50.74 each.
Use an itemized split for large differences
Assign each person’s items, then allocate shared dishes. Tax and tip can be divided in proportion to each person’s subtotal so someone with a smaller order does not pay the same extras as someone with a larger order.
Handle shared items explicitly
Divide a shared appetizer among the people who ate it rather than the entire group. The same approach works for bottles, desserts, or family-style dishes.
Check the final total
After rounding individual shares, add them back together. Adjust a few cents if needed so the payments exactly match the receipt total.
A calculator is often the quickest way to check your mental math. The important part is using the right starting value.
Open a calculator →Common questions
Should the tip be split equally?
It can be, but a proportional split is often fairer when individual orders differ greatly.
How do I handle someone who did not drink alcohol?
Keep alcohol with the people who ordered or shared it before allocating other costs.
What about rounding?
Round at the end and confirm that all shares still add to the exact total.
Our team checks formulas against worked examples and reviews every guide for clarity before publication. Read our editorial policy.