Tip Calculator

A clean bill-splitting tip calculator — a good example of how a simple, useful tool can be generated from a short, specific prompt.

Starter Prompt

Create a tip calculator that tips 12% on buffet-style food and 18% on everything else. Do not tip on the tax.

Expanded Prompt

Create a Claude Artifact for an interactive Tip Calculator.

Goal

Build a clean, easy-to-use calculator that helps users calculate the correct tip based on the type of meal, without accidentally tipping on the tax amount.

Tip Rules

• Buffet-style food: tip 12%
• All other food or service types: tip 18%
• Tip is calculated on the subtotal only — never on tax

Required Inputs

Ask the user for:

• Subtotal (before tax)
• Tax amount
• Meal type: Buffet or Other

Calculation Logic

If Buffet:   Tip = Subtotal × 0.12
If Other:    Tip = Subtotal × 0.18
Total:       Subtotal + Tax + Tip

Display Results

Show a clear breakdown with:

• Subtotal
• Tax amount
• Tip percentage used
• Tip amount
• Final total

Design Requirements

• Clean, modern layout styled like a restaurant bill or receipt
• Mobile-friendly
• Easy for anyone to use without instructions
• Make it visually obvious that the tip is calculated before tax
• Use clear labels and well-spaced inputs

Tips for Refining

• “Add a split-bill feature so I can divide the total by number of people”
• “Add a custom tip percentage option”
• “Style it to look like a physical receipt”
• “Add a currency selector for different countries”