100% Free

Free Tip Pool Calculator for Restaurants

Enter your shift totals, pick a method (hours, points, or %), and get each person's share instantly. No signup, no spreadsheet — just results.

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Free tip pooling calculator showing per-person tip distribution results

What This Calculator Does

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Split by Hours, Points, or %

Hours-weighted, points-based, hybrid, percentage tip-outs, sales-based, and equal split. Six methods — pick the one your house uses.

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Instant Per-Person Breakdown

Enter shift totals, see each person's share immediately. No spreadsheet formulas, no manual math.

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State Rule Warnings

Flags common issues for CA, NY, TX, FL, WA, and other states — manager inclusion, tip credit limits, back-of-house eligibility.

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Credit Card Fee Deductions

Optionally deduct processing fees before splitting. Configurable rates with state-law warnings.

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Export for Payroll

Approve distributions and export as CSV. Useful for end-of-shift records or payroll handoff.

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No Signup, No Server

Runs entirely in your browser. Employee names and tip data never leave your device. Works offline.

See It in Action

Pick a Method, Enter Tips, Get Results

Select hours-weighted, points-based, hybrid, or any of six methods. Enter the shift's cash and card totals. The calculator splits the pool instantly with a per-person breakdown.

  • Hours-weighted: Divides tips proportional to time worked
  • Points-based: Assign point values per role (Server 10, Busser 5, etc.)
  • Hybrid: Combines points × hours for nuanced splits
  • Percentage tip-outs: Traditional server-to-support-staff splits
Pool configuration showing different distribution methods

State Rule Checks — Not Legal Advice

The calculator flags common regulatory issues based on publicly available state labor rules. It checks manager exclusion, tip credit limits, and back-of-house eligibility. This is a reference tool, not a substitute for legal counsel.

  • Manager exclusion verification
  • Tip credit eligibility checks per state
  • Minimum wage guarantee warnings
  • Back-of-house inclusion rules by state
Compliance check results showing passed and warning statuses

Set Up Staff Once, Reuse Every Shift

Add employees with their roles, hourly rates, and pool participation settings. The roster saves in your browser — no account needed. Export approved distributions as CSV for payroll.

  • Role-based point values (Server, Bartender, Busser, Host, etc.)
  • Track tip credit eligibility per employee
  • Support for dual-role shifts
  • Save and approve distributions for your records
Employee management interface with role assignments

Common Questions

Six methods: Hours-Weighted (tips divided by hours worked), Points-Based (role-weighted distribution), Points × Hours Hybrid (combines both), Percentage of Tips (traditional tip-outs), Percentage of Sales (sales-based), and Equal Split. Most restaurants use hours-weighted or points-based.
Tip pooling is legal under federal law (FLSA). Since 2018, employers who pay full minimum wage (no tip credit) can include back-of-house staff. Rules vary by state — California, for example, bans tip credits entirely. This calculator flags common issues, but always confirm with a labor attorney for your specific situation. See the DOL Fact Sheet #15 for federal rules.
The state rules are based on publicly available labor law summaries as of January 2025. Labor law changes frequently — we review and update the rule database periodically, but this tool is a starting point, not legal advice. When in doubt, check your state's Department of Labor website or consult an employment attorney.
Each role gets a point value (e.g., Server = 10, Busser = 5, Host = 3). The total pool is divided by total points, then each employee gets their share based on role points. It's a common method for restaurants where different roles contribute differently to service.
Some states allow it, some don't. The calculator lets you configure a fee percentage and will warn you if your selected state restricts this practice. The deduction must be proportional and cannot exceed the actual fee. Check your state rules before enabling this.
No. Everything runs in your browser using local storage. Employee names, rates, and tip data never leave your device. The tool works completely offline after the first page load.
Puida Oy builds free professional tools for restaurants and small businesses. This calculator was developed with input from restaurant managers and reviewed against published DOL guidance. Questions or feedback? Email hello@puida.com.

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