Tip Calculator
Calculate tips for restaurants, delivery, and services
Breakdown
How to Use the Tip Calculator
Calculate tips accurately and split bills easily in just a few steps:
- **Enter bill amount** – Your subtotal before tip and tax
- **Add tax (optional)** – Enter if calculating tip on pre-tax amount
- **Set number of people** – For splitting the bill evenly
- **Choose tip percentage** – Select preset (10-25%) or enter custom amount
- **Select pre-tax or post-tax** – Pre-tax is standard practice
- **Round total (optional)** – Round to nearest $1, $5, or $10 for convenience
**Tip:** Always check for automatic gratuity on your receipt before adding a tip. For exceptional service, consider 25% or more.
Standard Tipping Guidelines
Restaurants (Sit-Down)
15-20%
18-25% for exceptional service
Bars & Bartenders
$1-2 per drink or 15-20%
Higher percentage for complex cocktails
Food Delivery
15-20% (minimum $3-5)
More for bad weather or long distances
Taxis & Rideshare
10-15%
Round up for short trips
Hair Salon & Barber
15-20%
Tip each person who helps you
Hotel Staff
$2-5 per service
$1-2 per bag, $2-5 per night for housekeeping
Coffee Shops
$1 per drink or 10-15%
Tip jar is common for counter service
Spa Services
18-20%
Check if gratuity is already included
Quick Tipping Tips & Mental Math Tricks
Mental math: 10% method
Move the decimal left one place for 10%, then double it for 20%
Double the tax method
In areas with ~8% sales tax, doubling it gives you roughly 16% tip
Round to nearest $5
Use our rounding feature to make totals clean and memorable
Round up for convenience
Makes math easier and is appreciated by service staff
Always carry cash for tips
Servers often prefer cash as they get it immediately
Split evenly when possible
Avoid complicated calculations when dining in groups
Check for auto-gratuity
Look for service charges before adding your own tip
Tip more for excellent service
25%+ shows genuine appreciation for outstanding service
Tip Calculation Formulas
**Tip Amount** = Bill Amount × (Tip % ÷ 100)
**Total** = Bill + Tax + Tip
**Per Person** = Total ÷ Number of People
Example: $50 bill, 20% tip, 2 people
Tip = $50 × 0.20 = **$10** • Total = $60 • Per Person = **$30**
**Quick Mental Math:** For 20% tip, move decimal left (10%) then double it. For 15%, calculate 10% and add half. Example: $60 bill → 10% = $6, add $3 = $9 tip (15%).
Tipping Etiquette & Common Questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Most etiquette experts recommend tipping on the **pre-tax amount**. However, many people tip on the post-tax total for convenience. Use the calculator's toggle to see both options.
What if the service was bad?
If service was poor, you can reduce the tip to **10%** or speak with a manager. Zero tips should be reserved for truly egregious service. Remember to consider if issues were the server's fault or the kitchen's.
Cash or credit card tip?
**Cash is preferred** by servers as they receive it immediately and may avoid processing fees. However, credit card tips are perfectly acceptable and more common in modern dining.
How do I handle split bills?
When splitting bills, ensure the **total tip percentage remains fair**. Use our calculator's "Number of People" feature to split evenly, or calculate separately for unequal splits.
Is there a difference between gratuity and tip?
**Gratuity** is often an automatic service charge (usually 18-20% for large parties), while a **tip** is voluntary. Check your bill carefully to avoid double-tipping.
Should I tip on discounted meals or comped items?
Yes, tip on the **full original price** before discounts or comps. Your server provided the same level of service regardless of what you paid.
Do I tip on takeout orders?
Tipping on takeout is optional but appreciated. **10%** is courteous for complex orders, or round up a few dollars for simple orders.
Tipping Culture Around the World
United States & Canada
**15-20% standard**, 18-25% for excellent service. Tipping is expected and often makes up a significant portion of service workers' income.
Europe
**5-10% or service included**. Many countries include service charges in the bill. Rounding up is common practice.
Japan
**No tipping**. Tipping can be considered insulting. Excellent service is expected as standard practice.
Australia & New Zealand
**Optional, 10% for exceptional service**. Service staff receive fair wages, so tipping is appreciated but not expected.
Middle East
**10-15% common**. Tipping practices vary by country. Service charges may be included but additional tips are appreciated.
South America
**10% standard**. Many restaurants include a service charge. Additional tipping for exceptional service is welcome.
Interesting Facts About Tipping
History of Tipping
Tipping originated in 18th century **European coffeehouses** where patrons would give money "To Insure Promptness" - though this etymology is actually a myth!
The "TIPS" Acronym Myth
Despite popular belief, "TIPS" does NOT stand for "To Insure Prompt Service." The word actually comes from 17th century thieves' cant meaning "to give" or "to pass."
Tipping Has Increased
Standard tip percentages have risen from **10% in the 1950s** to **15% in the 1980s** to **18-20% today**.
Tipped Minimum Wage
In the US, federal tipped minimum wage is only **$2.13/hour** (as of 2024), meaning servers rely heavily on tips to make a living wage.
Americans Tip More
Americans are among the **most generous tippers** in the world, with tipping culture being far more prevalent than in most other countries.
Auto-Gratuity Trend
More restaurants are adding **automatic service charges** (18-20%) for all parties, moving away from traditional voluntary tipping.
Complete Tool Directory
All 71 tools available on UNITS