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Guide

How to Split a Bill Fairly Across a Group

Learn even and per-item bill splitting, how to handle tip and tax, and how to keep group payments fair.

Open the Split Bill Calculator

A split-bill calculator divides a shared bill across a group, with an optional tip. The simplest split is even — everyone pays the same — but real-life splits often need more nuance.

Even split vs. per-item split

An even split divides the total (plus tip) equally across everyone. It is fast and friendly for similar orders. A per-item split assigns each person only what they ordered — fairer when one person had a steak and wine and another had a side salad and water.

Handling tip and tax

  • Decide whether tip is on the pre-tax or post-tax bill — both are common.
  • Agree the tip percentage before calculating to avoid awkward debate.
  • For a per-item split, add tax and tip proportionally to each person's share.
  • Round each share up to avoid a shortfall, then settle the difference.

How to use the calculator

  1. Enter the bill total.
  2. Add an optional tip percentage.
  3. Enter the number of people.
  4. Read each person's share.

Examples

A $120 bill with a 20% tip split 6 ways: tip = $24, total = $144, each pays $24. If two people ordered $40 each and four ordered $10 each, a per-item split is fairer: the big spenders pay more, the light eaters less.

When a split-bill calculator is useful

  • Group dinners and shared meals.
  • Splitting holiday rental or travel costs.
  • Sharing utility or grocery bills among flatmates.
  • Settling up after a group outing.

Put it into practice

Use the Split Bill Calculator right now — free, in your browser, no sign-up required.

Try the Split Bill Calculator

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