How to split a bill fairly when everyone ordered different things
Short answer: add up what each person ordered, split shared dishes among the people who had them, then apply the same tip (and tax) percentage to each person’s amount. Everyone pays for what they had, and the tip is shared in proportion.
1. List each person’s items
Write down what each person ordered. Drinks are usually the biggest difference.
2. Split shared dishes
A $24 appetizer shared by three people adds $8 to each of their amounts.
3. Apply tip and tax in proportion
If the table tips 18%, each person adds 18% of their own amount. Someone who ordered $30 adds $5.40; someone who ordered $10 adds $1.80.
4. Round to make paying easy
Round each share up to a whole amount if people are paying in cash or by transfer.
5. Track who paid you back
If you put the bill on your card, keep a note of each person’s share and tick them off as they pay.
Doing it with Tabwise
Switch to By person, add each friend and type what they ordered. Tabwise shares the tip in proportion, can round each share up, and lets you save the bill and tap each person when they pay you back.
FAQ
Should the tip be split evenly or by order?
By order is fairest: each person pays the same tip percentage on what they ordered, so the tip is shared in proportion.
What about shared appetizers?
Divide shared dishes evenly among the people who ate them and add that to each person’s amount.
How do I keep track of who paid me back?
Save the bill with everyone’s share and tick people off as they pay you.