Splitting bills the smart way
Splitting a bill sounds easy until shared apps and uneven orders show up. The goal is to keep things fair without turning dinner into a math class. These methods help groups split bills quickly, with minimal friction.
Start with the subtotal
Always split using the pre‑tax subtotal first. Taxes are a fixed percentage, so if you split the subtotal fairly, the tax will follow fairly as well. This avoids arguments about who owes extra for a tax rate they didn’t control.
Equal split for similar orders
If everyone ordered roughly the same amount, a straight even split is fine. It saves time and keeps the mood light. In that case, just divide the subtotal by the number of people, then apply tax and tip.
Itemized split for uneven orders
When one person ordered significantly more or less, itemize. Add up each person’s items, then apply tax and tip proportionally. This method is fair and works well for groups who want accuracy without drama.
Shared items and family‑style meals
For shared dishes, agree on a simple split upfront: half for two people, thirds for three people, or a fixed amount per person. If someone didn’t eat a shared dish, exclude them from that portion. Keep it simple so the group stays happy.
Applying the tip
Once each person’s subtotal is set, apply the same tip percentage to each share. This keeps the tip consistent with the service level and avoids small disputes about different tip values.
Large parties and automatic gratuity
If an automatic gratuity is applied, treat it like the tip and split it proportionally with the subtotal. Avoid adding an extra full tip unless the group agrees to do so for exceptional service.
Quick split method
- Add up the pre‑tax total.
- Decide if the split is equal or itemized.
- Apply tax and tip to each share, not just the total.
- Round to the nearest dollar if the group prefers simplicity.
Use QuickTip as the final check
QuickTip can validate the tip percentage and total after you split the subtotal. This makes it easy to keep everyone aligned and avoid mistakes at the end of the meal.