Montreal Restaurant Bill Calculator: GST, QST, Tip and Split Per Person
Short answer: in a Montreal restaurant, the prices on the menu are usually before tax. Your bill adds 5% GST and 9.975% QST, then you add a tip, commonly calculated on the amount before taxes. Use the calculator below to get the total and each person’s share in seconds.
Restaurant bill and tip calculator
The calculation runs entirely in your browser; nothing you enter is sent or saved. Always check the bill and the payment terminal before paying.
How the calculation works
- GST = subtotal × 5%.
- QST = subtotal × 9.975%.
- Bill with taxes = subtotal + GST + QST.
- Tip = tip % × subtotal (or × bill with taxes if you prefer).
- Total = bill with taxes + tip; per person = total ÷ number of people.
The GST and QST rates are editable in case they change. Official rates are published by Revenu Québec and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Worked example
| Line | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Subtotal | Food and drinks | $120.00 |
| GST | 120 × 5% | $6.00 |
| QST | 120 × 9.975% | $11.97 |
| Bill with taxes | 120 + 6 + 11.97 | $137.97 |
| Tip 15% before taxes | 120 × 15% | $18.00 |
| Total | $155.97 | |
| Per person (4) | 155.97 ÷ 4 | $38.99 |
Had the tip been calculated on the after-tax amount, it would be about $20.70 instead of $18.00. Neither method is wrong; it is a matter of personal preference.
Before or after taxes?
Many diners in Quebec calculate the tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since taxes are not part of the service. Payment terminals, however, often suggest percentages based on the total with taxes, which makes the tip slightly higher. If you want to tip on the pre-tax amount, choose the custom amount option on the terminal and enter the figure from the calculator. For more on customs and typical percentages, read our complete tipping etiquette guide.
Splitting the bill in Montreal
- Ask early: tell your server at the start of the meal if you want separate bills. Most restaurants can split, but it is easier when planned.
- Equal split: simplest for groups that shared plates; use the per-person figure above.
- Itemized split: fairer when orders differ widely; run the calculator once for each person’s subtotal.
- Large groups: some restaurants add an automatic service charge for big tables. Check the bill so you do not tip twice.
Bring your own wine
At a BYOB restaurant, the wine you bring does not appear on the bill, which lowers the subtotal. Many diners still factor in the value of the service when tipping. Learn how it works in our guide to BYOB restaurants in Montreal, and plan your next outing with our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide.
FAQ
What taxes apply to a restaurant meal in Montreal?
The federal GST at 5% and the Quebec QST at 9.975%, both applied to the pre-tax subtotal, for a combined rate of about 14.975%.
How much should I tip in Montreal?
Around 15% is common for good service, with 18 to 20% for excellent service. See our tipping guide for details.
Is the tip included in the bill?
Usually not, except sometimes for large groups. Read the bill before paying.
Does this calculator store my data?
No. It works entirely in your browser.