About This Tool
Figuring out the right tip amount and splitting a bill among friends should not require mental gymnastics. This Tip Calculator takes the guesswork out of dining and service gratuity by instantly computing the tip amount, total bill, and per-person share for any group size. Select from common preset percentages (15%, 18%, 20%, 25%) or enter a custom tip rate to match your preference. Tipping customs vary around the world, but in the United States, a gratuity of 15-20% is standard at sit-down restaurants. For exceptional service, many diners tip 25% or more. This tool helps you quickly compare different tip amounts side by side so you can make an informed choice. The built-in comparison table shows exactly how much each common percentage adds to your bill, making it easy to see the financial impact of rounding up or down. Splitting the bill is another common challenge. When dining with a group, simply enter the number of people and the calculator divides the total evenly, showing both the per-person total and the per-person tip contribution. No more awkward mental math at the table or relying on one person to figure it out. The calculator handles decimal rounding to the cent, so every person pays a fair and accurate share of both the meal and the gratuity.
How Tip Calculations Work
The tip amount is calculated by multiplying the pre-tax bill total by the tip percentage, then dividing by 100. The formula is straightforward:
Tip Amount = Bill Amount x (Tip Percentage / 100)
Total = Bill Amount + Tip Amount
Per Person = Total / Number of People
For example, on a $120 bill with a 20% tip: Tip = $120 x 0.20 = $24.00. Total = $120 + $24 = $144.00. If splitting among 4 people, each person pays $36.00. The calculation is simple in concept, but doing it accurately under time pressure at a busy restaurant is where a dedicated tool proves valuable.
Tipping Etiquette in the United States
Tipping norms differ by service type and region. Here is a general guide for the United States:
- Sit-down restaurants: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. 20% has become the baseline in many urban areas.
- Buffets: 10-15% is appropriate since servers still refill drinks and clear plates.
- Takeout / counter service: Tipping is optional, but 10-15% is appreciated for large or complex orders.
- Delivery drivers: 15-20% or a minimum of $3-5 per delivery, whichever is higher.
- Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the bar tab.
- Hair salons and barbers: 15-20% of the service cost.
- Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night, left daily since different staff may clean each day.
- Taxi and rideshare: 15-20% of the fare.
These guidelines reflect general expectations, but the final tip amount is always at your discretion based on service quality.
Should You Tip on Tax?
A frequently debated question is whether the tip should be calculated on the pre-tax subtotal or the post-tax total. Standard etiquette says to tip on the pre-tax amount, since the sales tax goes to the government, not the server. However, many people tip on the full amount for simplicity, and the difference is usually small.
For example, on a $100 meal with 8% sales tax, the post-tax total is $108. A 20% tip on the pre-tax amount is $20.00, while 20% on the post-tax total is $21.60. The $1.60 difference is negligible for most budgets, but over a year of regular dining it can add up. This calculator uses the amount you enter as the base, so enter either the pre-tax subtotal or the post-tax total depending on your personal preference.
Tips for Splitting Bills Fairly
Splitting the check evenly works well when everyone ordered items in a similar price range. When orders differ significantly, consider these approaches:
- Even split: The simplest method. Divide the total (including tip) by the number of people. Best for groups where orders are roughly equal.
- Itemized split: Each person pays for exactly what they ordered, plus their proportional share of the tip. More fair for mixed-order groups.
- Subsidized split: One person covers appetizers or shared dishes while others pay for their individual entrees.
Regardless of method, always make sure the full tip is covered. A common mistake is for each person to calculate their tip independently and round down, resulting in a smaller total tip than intended. Using this calculator to determine the total tip first, then dividing it, avoids that shortfall.
International Tipping Customs
Tipping practices vary dramatically outside the United States:
- Japan: Tipping is generally not practiced and can even be considered rude. Service charges are included in the price.
- United Kingdom: A 10-12.5% service charge is often added automatically. If not, 10-15% is customary.
- France: Service is included in menu prices by law (service compris). Leaving small change as a gesture of appreciation is common but not required.
- Germany: Rounding up the bill by 5-10% is standard. Tips are given directly to the server, not left on the table.
- Australia: Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service. 10% is generous.
- Mexico: 10-15% is standard at restaurants. Check if a service charge (propina) was already included.
- Canada: Similar to the U.S., 15-20% is standard at restaurants.
Always research local customs before traveling to avoid under-tipping or causing offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the United States, the standard restaurant tip is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. For excellent service, 25% or more is a generous gesture. At minimum, 15% is considered acceptable for adequate service. If service was poor, speak with a manager rather than leaving no tip, as servers often earn below minimum wage and depend on gratuities for their income.
Is it okay to tip less than 15%?
While tipping is technically voluntary, leaving less than 15% at a full-service restaurant in the U.S. is generally considered poor etiquette unless service was genuinely problematic. Many servers earn a tipped minimum wage that is significantly lower than the standard minimum wage, with the expectation that tips will make up the difference. If you received bad service, consider addressing it with the management rather than reducing the tip.
Should I tip on takeout orders?
Tipping on takeout is optional but increasingly common, especially since 2020. A tip of 10-15% is appreciated for takeout orders, particularly for:
- Large or complex orders that require significant preparation
- Orders from locally-owned restaurants where you want to show support
- Curbside pickup where staff bring food to your car
For simple counter-service pickups, tipping is not expected but a dollar or two is a kind gesture.
How do I split a bill with different meal costs?
The fairest approach when meals vary in price is for each person to calculate their individual share based on what they ordered, then add the tip percentage on top. For example, if your entree was $25 on a $150 group bill, your share of a 20% total tip ($30) would be proportional: ($25 / $150) x $30 = $5.00 tip. Your total would be $30.00. Apps and this calculator can help simplify this process for larger groups.
What is the difference between a tip and a service charge?
A tip (gratuity) is a voluntary amount you choose to leave for the server based on service quality. A service charge is a mandatory fee added by the restaurant, typically 18-20%, often applied to large parties (6 or more guests). Service charges are set by the restaurant and may or may not go directly to the server. Always check your bill for an automatic service charge before adding an additional tip to avoid double-tipping.
Should I tip on alcohol at a restaurant?
Yes. The standard practice is to tip on the entire bill, including alcoholic beverages. Wine, cocktails, and beer are part of the server's workload since they take orders, serve drinks, and manage the bar coordination. If you ordered an expensive bottle of wine, some diners reduce the tip percentage on the wine portion (for example, tipping 15% on a $200 bottle rather than 20%), but this is a personal choice. At a bar, the standard is $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab total.