Question 1

How is this different from just splitting the bill evenly?

Accepted Answer

We split tax and tip proportionally to what each person actually ordered, not evenly by headcount. If someone ordered a $60 steak and someone else had a $15 salad, they each pay tax and tip proportional to their own subtotal — the steak eater doesn't get subsidized by the salad eater.

Question 2

What if everyone ordered about the same amount?

Accepted Answer

Then this naturally reduces to a roughly even split — proportional splitting and even splitting give the same result when everyone's subtotal is equal.

Question 3

Should tip be based on the pre-tax or post-tax subtotal?

Accepted Answer

This calculator applies the tip percentage to each person's subtotal (pre-tax), which is the more common convention — some people prefer tipping on the post-tax total, which would mean entering a slightly higher tip percentage to compensate.

Question 4

Can I add or remove people?

Accepted Answer

Yes — use the add/remove buttons to match your group size, up to 20 people.

Question 5

What if I don't know exactly what each person ordered?

Accepted Answer

Enter your best estimate, or enter the same amount for everyone if you'd rather just split evenly — the calculator handles both the same way.

Question 6

Can I save or share my results?

Accepted Answer

Yes — use Share to copy a link that reproduces your exact inputs, or log in to save your calculation and revisit it later from your history.

Expense Split Calculator

The formula behind this calculator

Frequently asked questions

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