Restaurant Bill Split Calculator
Two modes: Even split — divide the bill equally including service charge and cover charge. Individual items — each diner enters what they ordered, and the service charge is split proportionally.
Split the bill
Enter the food subtotal, number of diners, and any service charge or cover charge.
Related: Tip Calculator · Bill Split
How the Restaurant Split Calculator works
This calculator offers two modes to suit different dining situations. Even split divides the entire bill equally, including any service charge and cover charge, by the number of diners. This is the quickest option when everyone ordered a broadly similar amount and you simply want to avoid mental arithmetic at the table.
Individual items mode is designed for groups where spending varied significantly. Each diner enters what they personally ordered, and the service charge is allocated proportionally — so someone who spent more on food also contributes a larger share of the service charge. A fixed cover charge is added equally per person on top.
In the UK, restaurants commonly add a 12.5% discretionary service charge. You are entitled to ask for it to be removed if you were dissatisfied with the service. Since October 2024, all tips and service charges must legally be passed on to staff in full, so whether you tip in cash or by card, the money should reach your server.
Frequently asked questions
How do I fairly split a restaurant bill with different orders?
The fairest approach is to use an individual items split, where each diner pays for exactly what they ordered. The service charge is then divided proportionally based on each person's food and drink spend, so someone who ordered more also contributes more to the service charge. This avoids the situation where a light eater subsidises a heavier spender.
What is the difference between splitting equally and splitting by item?
An equal split divides the entire bill — food, drinks, service charge, and any cover charge — by the number of diners, regardless of what each person ordered. An item-by-item split calculates each person's subtotal from their own orders and then adds a proportional share of the service charge. Equal splits are simpler but can feel unfair if spending varied widely across the group.
Should I include drinks when splitting a restaurant bill?
This depends on the group's preference. If some diners ordered significantly more drinks — particularly alcohol — than others, it is often fairer to split drinks by what each person ordered rather than dividing them equally. For a simple dinner where everyone had a similar number of drinks, including them in an equal split is usually acceptable and keeps the calculation straightforward.
How do I handle the tip when splitting a restaurant bill?
Most UK restaurants add a 12.5% discretionary service charge automatically. If a service charge is already included, there is generally no need to add an additional tip. If no service charge has been added and you want to tip, the fairest approach is to split it proportionally based on each person's share of the food bill. This calculator handles proportional service charge allocation automatically in individual items mode.