What is the fairest way to split a group dinner check?

Split equally when orders are similar; otherwise assign each guest their food and drink subtotal, allocate tax proportionally, then apply the tip rate to each subtotal. That avoids subsidizing expensive orders.

When does auto-gratuity apply to large parties?

Policies vary, but 18% for six or more is common. On $350, that is $63 mandated before any voluntary add-on. Only increase if service exceeded expectations and the receipt shows service charge rather than a duplicate tip line.

How do payment apps affect group tip collection?

Apps simplify splitting but invite rounding errors. Set a fixed all-in amount per person ($70 in this scenario) rather than letting each guest tip independently on food only.

Tip scenario

Group Dinner Tip Calculator (6 People)

Split a $350 pre-tax bill plus 20% tip among six guests. See $70 per person and auto-gratuity pitfalls.

Six-person tables require more coordination — timing courses, refills, and split checks — but the percentage norm stays near 18–20%. A $350 pre-tax bill with 20% gratuity adds $70 for a $420 total, or $70 per person when split evenly. Many restaurants auto-gratuate parties of six or more at 18% ($63 on $350); verify before tipping twice.

Bill Amount

Pre-tax bill amount before tip

Tip Percentage

Select a preset or enter a custom percentage

Number of People

Split the total bill and tip evenly

Tip Amount

$70.00

20% of $350.00

Total Amount

$420.00

Bill + tip

Per Person

$70.00

$11.67 tip each

Tip Reference for $350.00 Bill

Tip %	Tip Amount	Total
15%	$52.50	$402.50
18%	$63.00	$413.00
20%	$70.00	$420.00
22%	$77.00	$427.00
25%	$87.50	$437.50

Key Considerations

A $350 bill with 20% tip ($70) totals $420 — $70.00 per person when divided six ways.
Auto-gratuity at 18% on $350 equals $63; adding 2% cash ($7) or 5% ($17.50) on top rewards standout service without double-paying a full second tip.
Designate one payer to collect the all-in per-person amount ($70 here) so the server receives the full intended gratuity.
Corporate hosts should budget about $75–$85 per person including tax and 20% tip on mid-range menus.
Itemized splits prevent one guest from subsidizing another guest's steak or wine when prices vary widely.

Quick Numbers

Total with 20% tip	$420.00 ($350 + $70)
Per-person share	$70.00 ($420 ÷ 6)
Auto-gratuity at 18%	$63.00 on $350
Per person with 8% tax + 20% tip	$74.67 ($448 total ÷ 6)
Pre-tip per-person cost	$58.33 ($350 ÷ 6)
Extra on auto-gratuity (2–5%)	$7.00–$17.50

How This Compares

A six-top generates a larger absolute tip ($70 vs $24 on a $120 dinner) but similar percentage norms. Auto-gratuity policies exist partly because large parties occupy tables longer — always reconcile the printed service charge before adding voluntary tip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fairest way to split a group dinner check?: Split equally when orders are similar; otherwise assign each guest their food and drink subtotal, allocate tax proportionally, then apply the tip rate to each subtotal. That avoids subsidizing expensive orders.
When does auto-gratuity apply to large parties?: Policies vary, but 18% for six or more is common. On $350, that is $63 mandated before any voluntary add-on. Only increase if service exceeded expectations and the receipt shows service charge rather than a duplicate tip line.
How do payment apps affect group tip collection?: Apps simplify splitting but invite rounding errors. Set a fixed all-in amount per person ($70 in this scenario) rather than letting each guest tip independently on food only.

Sources Toast restaurant tipping data — Q2 2026 U.S. averages, U.S. DOL Fact Sheet #15 — federal tipped minimum cash wage $2.13 (2026). Checked October 2026.