How to Split a Restaurant Bill Fairly

Quick Answer

Quick Answer: The fairest way to split a bill is evenly when everyone ordered similarly, or by item when orders differ widely. For a $120 bill among 4 people with 18% tip, each person pays $35.40. Use our Bill Splitter.

Even split vs itemized split

Even split works best when the group ordered similar amounts. Itemized split is fairer when one person had steak and others had salads.

Step-by-step even split

1. Add the bill total (including tax if you tip on after-tax amount).
2. Add tip (typically 15–20%).
3. Divide by the number of people.

Try It Yourself

Use the Bill Splitter or Tip Calculator to calculate per-person totals instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you split a bill with tip?

Calculate total with tip first, then divide by the number of people.

Should tax be included before splitting?

Most groups split the final amount everyone pays at the table, including tax and tip.