Tip pool calculator.

Worked example

Three servers share a $300 pool. Ana worked 30 hours, Ben 20 and Cy 10, 60 hours in total. By hours each earns $5.00 per hour: Ana $150.00, Ben $100.00, Cy $50.00. Split $100 equally between three people and the odd cent goes to one person, so the shares are $33.34, $33.33 and $33.33 and still add to exactly $100.00.

How it works

By hours: share = pool x person hours / total hours. By points: each person has hours x a weight you choose (for example 2 for a senior role, 1 for an assistant); shares follow points. Equal: everyone gets the same share, ignoring hours.

Amounts are worked in cents. Each person gets the rounded-down share and the leftover cents go to the people with the largest remainders, so the total always equals the pool.

Hours-based pooling is the most common method and is simple to explain. Weighted points are how some salons and restaurants recognize roles; whichever you use, write the rule down and apply it every time.

Check the rules where you operate. This tool only does the arithmetic and is not legal advice. In the United States the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 203(m)(2)(B)) bars employers, managers and supervisors from keeping employees' tips. In Ontario the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (section 14.1) restricts employers withholding tips. Other provinces and states differ, and credit card tip handling and tax reporting have their own rules.

Sources and basis (checked 2026-10-05): Arithmetic on your inputs. Legal references: Fair Labor Standards Act s.3(m)(2)(B), 29 U.S.C. 203(m)(2)(B); Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000, s.14.1. Rules vary by jurisdiction and change, so confirm with your labour ministry.

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FAQ

How do you split a tip pool fairly?

The most common method is by hours worked: each person gets pool x their hours / total hours. Some businesses use weighted points so roles with more responsibility get a larger share.

Can the boss take part of the tip pool?

Generally not. In the US, federal law bars employers, managers and supervisors from keeping employee tips or taking part in the pool. Other jurisdictions have their own rules, so check yours.

What happens to leftover cents?

This tool gives the extra cent to the person with the largest remainder so shares always add up to the exact pool.

Does this work for salons, barbershops and spas?

Yes. Any shared tips, such as a front-desk or shampoo-assistant pool, can be split by hours or points. For commission and per-service tips see the commission and tip split calculator.