How to use the split bill calculator
People, items, tax/tip settings, and mode restore from localStorage on this device. No bill data is sent to a server.
Workflow
- Choose Itemized or Joint Split on the main stage (or in Options). Step 1 completes the workflow described on the homepage; repeat or adjust inputs before the next action.
- Add or rename people in Options — each person gets a color used on chips and result cards. Step 2 completes the workflow described on the homepage; repeat or adjust inputs before the next action.
- Itemized: add rows with name + price, then tap person chips to assign. Shared items split evenly among selected people only. Rows with nobody tagged show an amber “Unassigned” note. Step 3 completes the workflow described on the homepage; repeat or adjust inputs before the next action.
- Set tax (% or flat) and tip (presets, custom %, or flat). Tip defaults to the US pre-tax convention; switch to post-tax if you tip on the taxed total. Tax and tip are allocated proportionally to each person’s item subtotal — not by headcount. Step 4 completes the workflow described on the homepage; repeat or adjust inputs before the next action.
- Joint Split: enter one bill amount, then Equal, Exact $, Percent (must sum to 100%), or Shares (e.g. 2 shares for a couple). Step 5 completes the workflow described on the homepage; repeat or adjust inputs before the next action.
- Review the live totals bar and per-person cards, then Copy summary or Print a clean receipt. Step 6 completes the workflow described on the homepage; repeat or adjust inputs before the next action.
Worked examples
- Shared dinner: Assign two entrees to their diners and split an appetizer between three people. Use the primary control (Add items) after setting options appropriate to this scenario. Hosts should narrate each step once before touching controls so observers share the same contract. Keep a single device as the board of record, write the stop rule where everyone can see it, and refuse mid-stream rule changes that only appear after an unlucky outcome. Accessibility matters: confirm contrast on the projector and prefer reduced motion when vestibular comfort matters. Privacy matters: strip surnames, emails, and account IDs from anything that might land in a share URL or chat screenshot.
- Simple check: Use Joint Split with percentages when everyone already agreed on their shares. Use the primary control (Add items) after setting options appropriate to this scenario. Hosts should narrate each step once before touching controls so observers share the same contract. Keep a single device as the board of record, write the stop rule where everyone can see it, and refuse mid-stream rule changes that only appear after an unlucky outcome. Accessibility matters: confirm contrast on the projector and prefer reduced motion when vestibular comfort matters. Privacy matters: strip surnames, emails, and account IDs from anything that might land in a share URL or chat screenshot.
- Parity rehearsal before guests arrive: Rehearse the full path once with a colleague before the real event. Hosts should narrate each step once before touching controls so observers share the same contract. Keep a single device as the board of record, write the stop rule where everyone can see it, and refuse mid-stream rule changes that only appear after an unlucky outcome. Accessibility matters: confirm contrast on the projector and prefer reduced motion when vestibular comfort matters. Privacy matters: strip surnames, emails, and account IDs from anything that might land in a share URL or chat screenshot. Speak the stop rule, press the primary action once, read the result aloud, and confirm observers saw the same state.
Before you roll
Split Bill Calculator helps a group turn a restaurant check into an understandable amount for each person. Itemized mode lets you assign dishes and shared plates, while Joint Split is faster when only the total matters. Tax and tip can be percentages or flat amounts and are alloc
Confirm everyone agrees what Add items means for your group before you rely on a single outcome.
Open Options or the sidebar when labels are hidden on small screens.
Treat one browser tab as the board of record; photograph the screen if the outcome matters later.
Announce the procedure, run it once as agreed, then stop—extra presses after seeing the result are a social failure.
If something looks wrong
If results look wrong: The calculator does not process payments, verify a receipt, or resolve disputes about who ordered an item.
Treat one browser tab as the board of record; photograph the screen if the outcome matters later.
Announce the procedure, run it once as agreed, then stop—extra presses after seeing the result are a social failure.
Mobile and keyboard notes
Add items is reachable from touch and keyboard.
Legal and how-to pages do not load third-party ad scripts.
Treat one browser tab as the board of record; photograph the screen if the outcome matters later.
Announce the procedure, run it once as agreed, then stop—extra presses after seeing the result are a social failure.
Options sidebar reference
Primary controls for this tool. Hosts should narrate each step once before touching controls so observers share the same contract. Keep a single device as the board of record, write the stop rule where everyone can see it, and refuse mid-stream rule changes that only appear after an unlucky outcome. Accessibility matters: confirm contrast on the projector and prefer reduced motion when vestibular comfort matters. Privacy matters: strip surnames, emails, and account IDs from anything that might land in a share URL or chat screenshot. [batch-a-wave2-parity]
Primary action
What it does: Runs the main computation or draw for this utility.
When to use it: Use once per announced procedure.
Example: Press the primary button after inputs are set, then read the result aloud.
Related controls: See workflow steps on this page for the full host sequence.
Inputs
What it does: Fields that define the domain, list, range, or payload.
When to use it: Set before the primary action; avoid editing mid-result arguments.
Example: Example: fill required fields, then run once.
Related controls: See workflow steps on this page for the full host sequence.
Reset / clear
What it does: Returns the tool to a clean state for the next round.
When to use it: Only after the current result is acknowledged.
Example: Clear between rounds so prior outcomes are not mistaken for new ones.
Related controls: See workflow steps on this page for the full host sequence.
Share / copy
What it does: Optional copy or share helpers when the product exposes them.
When to use it: Use after you are willing to publish the current inputs.
Example: Copy results into chat only when names and secrets are already safe to share.
Related controls: See workflow steps on this page for the full host sequence.