Tip Calculator
Calculate tips easily, split bills with friends, and round to convenient totals
Calculate Tip
Your Tip
Bill Amount
$50.00
Tip (18%)
+ $9.00
Total
$59.00
Tipping Guide by Region
| Region | Restaurant | Delivery | Taxi/Rideshare | Hotel Porter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 15-20% | 15-20% | 15-20% | $1-2/bag |
| Canada | 15-20% | 15-20% | 15% | $1-2/bag |
| United Kingdom | 10-15% | 10% | 10% | £1-2/bag |
| Australia | 10% (optional) | Optional | Round up | Not expected |
| Japan | Not expected | Not expected | Not expected | Not expected |
| Europe (EU) | 5-10% | €1-2 | Round up | €1-2/bag |
| Middle East | 10-15% | 10% | 10% | $1-2/bag |
How to Calculate a Tip
Calculating a tip is simple: multiply your bill by the tip percentage (as a decimal) to find the tip amount. Add it to your bill for the total.
Tip Formula
Tip Amount = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100)
Total = Bill + Tip Amount
Quick Mental Math
- 10%: Move decimal one place left
- 15%: Find 10%, add half of it
- 20%: Find 10%, double it
- 18%: Find 20%, subtract a bit
Standard Tip Amounts
10-15%
Below Average
Poor service or takeout
15-18%
Average
Adequate service
18-20%
Good
Good service (standard)
20-25%+
Excellent
Outstanding service
When to Tip (US Guidelines)
Customary to Tip
- Restaurant servers: 15-20% of pre-tax bill
- Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab
- Food delivery: 15-20%, $3-5 minimum
- Taxi/Rideshare: 15-20%
- Hair stylists: 15-20%
- Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night
- Valet parking: $2-5
- Spa services: 15-20%
Optional or Not Expected
- Fast food/counter service: Optional
- Coffee shops: Optional ($1 or round up)
- Takeout: Optional, 10% if curbside
- Grocery delivery: $5 or 10-15%
- Movers: $20-50 per mover
- Furniture delivery: $5-20 per person
- Doctors/dentists: Not expected
- Retail workers: Not expected
Splitting the Bill Fairly
Equal split: Divide the total (including tip) by the number of people. This works best when everyone ordered similarly.
Individual billing: Each person pays for what they ordered plus their share of tax and tip. More fair but more complex.
Shared items: Split appetizers and shared dishes equally among those who ate them, then add individual orders.
Payment apps: Apps like Venmo, Splitwise, or Zelle make it easy to settle up after one person pays the bill.
Rounding tip: When splitting, round up the tip to make the math easier. Servers prefer cash tips when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Traditionally, tips are calculated on the pre-tax bill amount. However, many people tip on the total for simplicity, and servers certainly appreciate it. Either is acceptable.
Do I still tip if there's a service charge?
Check if the service charge goes to staff. If it's mandatory gratuity (common for large parties), additional tipping is optional. If it's a "service fee" that goes to the restaurant, you should still tip your server.
Should I tip for takeout?
Tipping for takeout has become more common, especially since 2020. 10-15% is appreciated but not obligatory. Consider tipping for complex orders, curbside service, or at local restaurants you want to support.
What if the service was really bad?
Before reducing your tip, consider if the issue was the server's fault or the kitchen's. For poor service, 10-15% signals dissatisfaction. Leaving nothing may not send a clear message - consider speaking to management if there's a serious problem.
Why Tip at All?
Server wages: In the US, tipped workers can legally be paid as little as $2.13/hour (federal minimum), with tips expected to make up the difference. Tips are their primary income.
Quality service incentive: The tipping system theoretically incentivizes better service, as servers earn more for providing excellent experiences.
Industry standard: Like it or not, tipping is deeply ingrained in American dining culture. Not tipping harms individual workers, not the system.
International context: Tipping norms vary widely. In Japan, tipping is considered rude. In Europe, it's appreciated but not expected. Research local customs when traveling.
Quick Tip Reference
| Bill Amount | 15% Tip | 18% Tip | 20% Tip | 25% Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| $30 | $4.50 | $5.40 | $6.00 | $7.50 |
| $40 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| $50 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $75 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $18.75 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |