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How to split a bill
Divide the total by the number of people. These shortcuts make the division easy, tip included.
Split the total into easy parts
Divide the tens and the rest separately, then add them.
Why it works: Dividing each part and adding gives the same as dividing the whole.
Four people: halve, then halve again
Dividing by 4 is halving twice. For 8 people, halve three times.
Why it works: 4 is 2 × 2.
Five people: double, then divide by 10
Double the total and move the decimal point one place.
Why it works: ÷ 5 is the same as × 2 ÷ 10.
Add the tip before you split
Work out the tip on the whole bill, add it, then divide once.
Why it works: Dividing once is less work than splitting the bill and the tip separately.
Try it
Tap a problem to check your answer.
$48 split 3 ways
= $16
$90 split 4 ways
= $22.50
$75 split 5 ways
= $15
$56 split 2 ways
= $28
More money math: Tip math · Discounts · Comparing prices
In Math Daily, Perci asks problems like these: tips, discounts and splitting the bill, alongside fractions and percents.
Common questions
How do you split a bill with the tip?
Add the tip to the total first, then divide by the number of people.
What if it doesn't divide evenly?
Round each share up to an easy amount. The extra covers the tip or the odd cents.