Tip Calculator: Work Out the Perfect Tip in Seconds
Enter your bill, pick a tip percentage, and split it between everyone at the table. You get accurate numbers every time.
How to Calculate a Tip in 3 Simple Steps
Enter the bill total
Type in the pre-tip amount shown on your receipt, before any service charge is added. This is your starting number for every calculation that follows.
Choose your tip %
Tap one of the quick-select buttons (10%, 15%, 18%, 20%, or 25%) or type a custom percentage if the service was outstanding or the group prefers a specific rate. Most US diners tip 15 to 20% for standard table service.
Split if needed
Add how many people are splitting the bill and the calculator divides the tip and total evenly across the group instantly. For itemized splitting by what each person ordered, use our Split Bill Calculator.
Standard Tipping Guide by Service Type
| Service | Typical Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 15%–20% | 18–20% for great service, 15% for average |
| Bar / Drinks | $1–$2 per drink or 15–20% | Tip per round if ordering at the bar |
| Food Delivery | 10%–15% | $5 minimum recommended for small orders |
| Hair Salon / Barber | 15%–20% | Higher for stylists you see regularly |
| Taxi / Rideshare | 10%–15% | Round up for short trips |
| Hotel Housekeeping | $2–$5 per night | Leave daily, not just at checkout |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the traditional standard, though many people simply tip on the total for convenience. Both approaches are fine, and the difference between them is usually small.
Is tipping mandatory in the US?
No, tipping isn’t legally required, but it’s a strong cultural expectation in the US since many service workers are paid a lower base wage that assumes tip income.
How do I split the tip fairly among a group?
The simplest way is to split the tip equally, same as the bill. If people ordered very differently, use our bill splitter to divide by item first, then apply tip proportionally.
What’s a good tip for bad service?
Most etiquette guides suggest not going below 10%. If service was genuinely poor, it is better to raise the issue with management than to skip the tip entirely.
Common Tipping Mistakes to Avoid
Even careful tippers slip up sometimes. Rounding down out of habit is a common one, so a bill of $47 becomes a flat $50 instead of the correct 18% tip. Splitting a group tip unevenly is another mistake, especially when one person orders drinks and appetizers while someone else just has a salad, which is exactly why an item based split makes more sense for mixed orders. Forgetting that some restaurants already add a service charge for large groups is a third mistake worth checking your receipt for before tipping again on top of it.
Tipping for Different Group Sizes
Small groups of two or three people rarely need anything beyond an equal split, since orders tend to be similar in price. Larger groups of six or more are where things get complicated, and many restaurants automatically add an 18 to 20% gratuity to the bill for parties this size. Always check your printed check for a line that says gratuity included before tipping again, since double tipping happens more often than people realize at big group dinners. Our Restaurant Bill Splitter handles tax and tip together if you need both split across the table.
Why Use an Online Tip Calculator
Mental math gets shaky after a long dinner, a few drinks, or when you are trying to talk to the table while doing percentages in your head. A calculator removes the guesswork and the awkward pause while someone taps numbers into their phone. Because this tool splits the total evenly and shows the tip, subtotal, and per person share on one screen, everyone at the table can see the same numbers and agree on the total in a few seconds instead of a few minutes.
How Tipping Norms Vary by Country
Tipping culture in the United States assumes service workers rely on tips to make up a fair wage, which is why 15 to 20% is treated as close to mandatory. In many other countries, service staff are paid a full wage and tipping is a smaller, optional gesture, often just rounding up the bill or leaving 5 to 10% for excellent service. If you are traveling internationally, it is worth checking local norms before assuming US style tipping rates apply everywhere you go.
Do I still tip if I use a coupon or discount?
Etiquette guides generally recommend tipping on the pre discount total, since the server did the same amount of work regardless of the coupon. Tipping on the discounted amount is common in practice, but tipping on the original price is considered more generous and is closer to what many servers expect.
Should I tip differently for takeout orders?
Takeout tipping is optional and typically lower than sit down service, usually in the 5 to 10% range or a flat $1 to $3, since there is no table service involved. Some people skip it entirely for simple pickup orders, though a small tip is appreciated if the order was complicated or the wait was long.
What if the bill already includes a service charge?
If your receipt shows an automatic gratuity or service charge, that already covers the tip, so adding another 15 to 20% on top is not expected. Check the itemized breakdown carefully, since some restaurants separate a mandatory service fee from the actual gratuity, and only the gratuity line replaces your tip. This calculator handles the tip on its own, separate from the rest of the bill.