Tip Calculator
Calculate tips quickly and split the bill among friends. Perfect for restaurants, delivery, salons, and any service where tipping is customary.
Good
18% tip
On a $0.00 bill with a 18% tip, you pay $0.00 total.
Quick Answer: Standard Tip Amounts
The standard tip in the United States is 15-20% for restaurants. Here's a quick guide:
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
PhD from Yale University. Published mathematical historian ensuring precision in all calculations.
Education
PhD in Mathematical History - Yale University
Table of Contents
How to Use This Tip Calculator
Our tip calculator makes it easy to figure out how much to tip and how to split the bill. Follow these simple steps:
- Enter the bill amount - Type in your total bill before tip (usually the pre-tax amount)
- Select a tip percentage - Choose from common percentages (10-30%) or enter a custom amount
- Set the number of people - If splitting the bill, adjust the number of people sharing
- View your results - See the tip amount, total bill, and per-person costs instantly
Pro Tip: The "Service Rating" indicator shows how your tip percentage compares to standard expectations, helping you ensure you're tipping appropriately for the service received.
Quick Tip Reference Table
Use this table to quickly estimate tips for common bill amounts:
| Bill | 10% | 15% | 18% | 20% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $2.00 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| $30 | $3.00 | $4.50 | $5.40 | $6.00 | $7.50 |
| $40 | $4.00 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| $50 | $5.00 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $75 | $7.50 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $18.75 |
| $100 | $10.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $150 | $15.00 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200 | $20.00 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
Tipping Guide by Service Type
Different services have different tipping expectations. Here's a comprehensive guide:
Restaurants & Food Service
- Sit-down Restaurant15-20%
- Fine Dining20-25%
- Buffet10-15%
- Food Delivery15-20% ($3 min)
- Takeout (counter)0-10%
- Bartender$1-2/drink or 15-20%
Personal Services
- Hair Stylist15-20%
- Spa/Massage15-20%
- Nail Technician15-20%
- Taxi/Rideshare15-20%
- Hotel Housekeeping$2-5/night
- Valet Parking$2-5
Tipping Etiquette in the United States
Tipping is an integral part of American service culture. Understanding the norms helps ensure you're treating service workers fairly while also not overpaying.
Why Tipping Matters
In the United States, the federal minimum wage for tipped employees is only $2.13 per hour. This means servers, bartenders, and other tipped workers rely heavily on tips to earn a living wage. While this system is debated, it's important to tip appropriately within the current framework.
Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Tipping
Traditionally, tips are calculated on the pre-tax bill amount. However, many people tip on the post-tax total for simplicity. The difference is usually only a few cents to a dollar, so either approach is acceptable in most situations.
When to Tip More
- Exceptional service that went above and beyond
- Large groups (some restaurants add automatic gratuity)
- Complex orders or special requests
- Bad weather for delivery drivers
- Holiday periods when workers sacrifice family time
International Tipping Customs
Tipping customs vary significantly around the world. Here's what to expect when traveling:
United States & Canada
15-20% expected for most services. Tipping is essential for service workers.
United Kingdom
10-15% common but not mandatory. Check if service charge is included.
Europe (General)
5-10% or rounding up is typical. Service is often included in prices.
Japan
Tipping is not expected and can even be considered rude. Service is included.
Australia
Not expected due to higher minimum wages, but 10% appreciated for good service.
China
Generally not expected and may be refused. Tips may be accepted in tourist areas.
Mental Math Tips for Calculating Tips
While our calculator makes tipping easy, here are some mental math tricks for when you don't have your phone handy:
The 10% Method (for any percentage)
Move the decimal point one place left to get 10%. Then adjust:
- For 10%: $45.00 → $4.50
- For 15%: $45.00 → $4.50 + $2.25 (half of 10%) = $6.75
- For 20%: $45.00 → $4.50 × 2 = $9.00
- For 25%: $45.00 → $4.50 × 2 + $2.25 = $11.25
The Double Tax Method
In many states, sales tax is around 8-10%. For a quick 16-20% tip, simply double the tax amount shown on your receipt!
Round Up for Simplicity
For small bills, round your total to a nice even number. On a $17.50 bill, leaving $21 gives a comfortable 20% tip and makes change easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the United States, the standard tip at a restaurant is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. For excellent service, 20-25% is common. For poor service, 10-15% may be appropriate. Always tip on the pre-tax amount.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Traditional etiquette suggests tipping on the pre-tax amount. However, many people tip on the post-tax total for convenience. The difference is usually small, so either approach is acceptable.
How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly?
To calculate a 20% tip mentally: Move the decimal point one place left (gives you 10%), then double it. For example, on a $45 bill: 10% = $4.50, doubled = $9.00 tip.
What is the proper tip for delivery drivers?
For food delivery, 15-20% is standard, with a minimum of $3-5 for small orders. Consider tipping more for bad weather, long distances, or large orders. Many apps suggest 15%, 20%, or 25%.
Is tipping mandatory?
In the US, tipping is not legally required but is customary and expected for most services. Service workers often rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. In other countries, tipping customs vary widely.
How do I split the bill fairly?
The simplest approach is to divide the total (including tip) by the number of people. For unequal orders, each person can calculate their portion plus tip separately. Our calculator handles the math for equal splits automatically.
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Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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