Tip Calculator

Tipping Guide

A tip is calculated by multiplying your bill amount by a chosen percentage. Common tip rates are 15%, 18%, and 20%. For example, on an $85 dinner bill with a 20% tip, you multiply $85 × 0.20 to get a $17 tip, making your total $102. Most etiquette guides recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal, though tipping on the post-tax amount is also widely accepted and typically only adds a dollar or two to the final number.

In the United States, tips make up a significant portion of service workers' income. For sit-down restaurants, 15–20% is the standard range: 15% signals acceptable service, 18% is a solid average, and 20% or more rewards outstanding attention. Buffets typically warrant 5–10%, while takeout tipping has grown more common since 2020, with 10–15% being a generous gesture. For bartenders, $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab is customary. Hair stylists, taxi drivers, and hotel housekeeping also customarily receive 15–20%, $2–5, and $2–5 per night, respectively.

Tipping norms differ dramatically by region. In Canada and Mexico, customs mirror the US at roughly 15–20%. Across most of Europe, a service charge is often included in the bill; an extra 5–10% is appreciated but not expected. In Japan and South Korea, tipping is uncommon and can even be considered rude. Australia and New Zealand have no tipping expectation due to higher base wages, though rounding up or leaving 10% for exceptional service is becoming more frequent. When traveling, check local customs before dining out to avoid awkward situations.

Splitting a bill among friends is straightforward once the tip is added. Take the total (bill plus tip), then divide by the number of people. Using the $85 example above with a $17 tip and four diners: $102 ÷ 4 = $25.50 per person. If individuals ordered items at very different price points, you can instead have each person calculate their own subtotal, apply the agreed tip percentage, and pay that amount. Our calculator handles even splits automatically — just enter the number of people and the math is done for you.

A few practical tips to keep in mind: always double-check whether a gratuity has already been added to your bill, which is common for large parties of six or more. If you are paying with a credit card, write the tip and total clearly on the receipt to avoid errors. Finally, when in doubt, rounding up to a convenient number is a simple way to leave a fair tip without needing a calculator at the table. You might also find our Discount Calculator and Percentage Calculator helpful for other everyday calculations.