How do I split a restaurant bill fairly with tip included?

Splitting a bill can be as tricky as navigating a ship through a narrow strait, but here is the calmest way to settle the score:

1. The Simple Split (When everyone had similar meals)

If everyone is in agreement, just take the total bill (including tax and tip) and divide by the number of people.

• Total Bill / Number of People = Individual Share

2. The "Itemized" Split (When people ordered differently)

If some folks had expensive steaks and others had light salads, it’s fairer to pay for what you actually ordered:

1. Calculate the tax/tip percentage: Look at the total bill, then subtract the subtotal (the price before tax and tip). Divide the extra (tax + tip) by the subtotal to get a percentage (e.g., if the tax/tip added 25% to the bill, your multiplier is 1.25).
2. Add up individual items: Each person adds the cost of their own food and drinks.
3. Apply the multiplier: Multiply each person's total by that percentage (e.g., $20 meal × 1.25 = $25). This ensures everyone pays their fair share of the extra costs, not just the base price.

3. Quick Tips for the Crew:

• Decide before ordering: If you know you're splitting the bill evenly, it’s polite to keep the order totals relatively balanced.
• The "Round Up" Rule: If you’re splitting a bill and the math ends in odd cents, round up to the nearest dollar. It’s easier for the server to process, and the extra change makes for a happy crew.
• Apps: If the math makes your head spin, there are plenty of free "bill splitter" apps or websites where you can punch in the items and let the machine do the heavy lifting for you.

A note on the tip: Always remember to calculate the tip on the pre-tax amount if you want to be precise, though most folks just tip on the total for simplicity. Standard etiquette is usually 15% to 20%—the server works hard to bring the bounty to the table, after all!