Tip Pooling Calculator
Fairly distribute pooled tips among servers, bussers, and bartenders using a customizable point-based system.
Results
What is it?
The Tip Pooling Calculator uses a point-based system to fairly distribute pooled gratuities among front-of-house and support staff. Each role is assigned a point value reflecting its contribution level.
How to use
Enter total tips collected, the number of staff in each role, and the point value per role. The calculator divides total tips by total points to find the dollar value per point, then multiplies by each role point value for individual payouts.
Example scenario
$500 tips, 4 servers (10 pts each), 2 bussers (5 pts each), 1 bartender (8 pts): 40+10+8 = 58 total points. Each point is worth $8.62. Servers get $86.21 each, bussers $43.10, bartender $68.97.
Pro tip
The US DOL 2021 Tip Rule allows tip pooling between tipped and non-tipped employees (e.g. cooks) only when the employer pays full minimum wage and never takes a tip credit. Point allocations should be documented and consistent to avoid disputes. Review your state laws as some have stricter rules.