Enter a pooled tip total and each worker’s hours worked (with an optional role weight) to see a fair split of the pool.
This tool multiplies each worker’s hours by their role weight (defaulting to 1 if not specified) to get a weighted-hours figure, then splits the pool proportionally by each person’s share of the total weighted hours.
Total tip pool ($):
Workers, one per line as “Name, hours” or “Name, hours, weight”:
How It Works
This tool multiplies each worker’s hours by their role weight (defaulting to 1 if not specified) to get a weighted-hours figure, then splits the pool proportionally by each person’s share of the total weighted hours.
How to Use This Tool
- Enter the total pooled tip amount.
- List each worker on their own line as “Name, hours” or “Name, hours, weight” (weight lets you account for different roles, like a shift lead earning a higher share per hour).
- Click Split Pool to see each worker’s fair share.
A weight of 1 means equal per-hour value; use a higher weight (like 1.2) for a role that your team has agreed should earn more per hour from the pool, or omit weight entirely for a simple hours-only split.
The Formula
- Weighted hours = hours worked × role weight
- Worker’s share = tip pool × (worker’s weighted hours ÷ everyone’s total weighted hours)
Worked example: a tip pool of 500, split between Alice (20 hours, weight 1) and Bob (10 hours, weight 1.2). Alice’s weighted hours are 20 × 1 = 20. Bob’s are 10 × 1.2 = 12. The total is 32. Alice receives 500 × 20 ÷ 32 = 312.50, and Bob receives 500 × 12 ÷ 32 = 187.50. Without the weight, the split would be based on hours only: Alice would get 333.33 and Bob 166.67. The weight shifts a little more of the pool to the role that the team has agreed should earn more per hour.
Why Split by Hours?
Splitting a pool evenly can feel unfair when some people work a full shift and others cover only a few hours. Splitting by hours ties each person’s share to the time they put in. Adding a weight lets a team recognize that roles differ, for example when a shift lead handles more responsibility. The important part is that everyone agrees on the method and the weights before the money is divided, so nobody feels surprised.
Tips for a Smooth Tip Split
- Agree on the rules first: Decide as a team whether to use hours only or weights, and write it down.
- Keep records: Save the hours and the results from each pay period so questions can be answered later.
- Handle rounding: Shares may not add up to the exact pool after rounding to cents. Decide in advance who gets the leftover cent.
- Check local rules: Which roles may share in a pool, and how tips are reported, can be regulated.
Did You Know?
- Tip pooling arrangements and rules vary significantly by country and even by state or city, particularly around which roles are legally allowed to share in pooled tips.
- Some restaurants use a points system similar to weighted hours, where different roles (server, busser, host) are assigned different point values per shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I leave out the weight?
It defaults to 1 for that worker, meaning a simple hours-based split for them relative to everyone else.
Is this legally compliant with tip-pooling laws?
This tool only does the math you specify; tip-pooling legality and eligible roles vary by jurisdiction, so check local labor law for your specific situation.
How do I choose a role weight?
There is no standard answer. Many teams keep everyone at 1 and split by hours only. If your team wants to weight roles, pick modest differences such as 1.0, 1.2, and 1.5, and make sure everyone understands the reason. Large gaps can cause resentment.
Can I use this outside restaurants?
Yes. Salons, bars, coffee shops, tour groups, and buskers sharing donations can all use the same method. Any group dividing a shared amount by time contributed will find it useful.
What happens if someone worked zero hours?
They will receive a zero share, since their weighted hours are zero. Leave them out of the list if they did not work that period.