Tip Calculator
Quickly calculate the tip amount and split the total bill among friends.
Tipping Guide: How Much to Tip
Tipping customs vary by country and service type. Here's a comprehensive guide for the United States:
| Service | Standard Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 15-20% | 20% for excellent service |
| Restaurant (buffet) | 10% | Less service required |
| Bartender | $1-2 per drink or 15-20% | More for complex cocktails |
| Food delivery | 15-20% or $3-5 minimum | More in bad weather |
| Taxi/Uber/Lyft | 10-15% | Round up for short rides |
| Hair salon | 15-20% | Per stylist |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2-5 per night | Leave daily, not end of stay |
| Takeout/Counter service | 0-10% | Optional, but appreciated |
Quick Mental Tip Calculations
No calculator? Here are easy mental math tricks for common tip percentages:
10% Tip (Easy Base)
Move decimal point one place left
$45.00 → $4.50
15% Tip
10% + half of 10%
$40: 10% = $4, half = $2, total = $6
20% Tip (Easiest)
Move decimal left, then double
$50.00 → $5.00 → $10.00
18% Tip
20% minus 10% of bill
$50: 20% = $10, 10% = $5, subtract = $9
When to Adjust Your Tip
Tip More (20-25%+) If:
- Service was exceptional - attentive, friendly, solved problems
- You had special requests (allergies, substitutions, modifications)
- Large group (6+ people) - more work for server
- Stayed long after meal (camping) - taking up table during busy hours
- Complicated order or many courses
- Holiday dining or special occasions
Tip Less (10-15%) If:
- Service was poor - but check if it's kitchen/management issues vs server
- Buffet or counter service with minimal table service
- Takeout orders (though 10% is appreciated)
⚠️ Important: In the US, many servers earn below minimum wage and rely on tips for income. If service issues stem from kitchen delays or management, consider tipping fairly and addressing concerns with management separately.
Splitting Bills: Best Practices
- Equal split: Easiest for similar orders - divide total (including tip) by number of people
- Itemized split: Each person pays for their items + proportional tax/tip - use when orders vary greatly
- Couples: Many treat couples as one "person" when splitting equally
- Round up: Throw in an extra dollar to avoid complex change-making
- Apps available: Splitwise, Venmo, or built-in features in Square/Toast for exact splits
- Cash vs card: If paying cash, collect money first, then pay bill + tip together
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant? ▼
Standard tipping in the US is 15-20% for sit-down restaurant service. 15% represents adequate service, 18% is for good service, and 20% or more is for excellent service. Adjust based on quality: exceptional waitstaff deserve 22-25%, while poor service might warrant 10-12% (though consider if issues were beyond the server's control).
How do you calculate a 20% tip quickly? ▼
Easy mental math: Move the decimal point one place to the left (that's 10%), then double it. Example: $50 bill → $5.00 (10%) → $10.00 (20% tip). Total = $60. This works for any amount and is faster than multiplying by 0.20.
Should I calculate tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount? ▼
Technically, tipping etiquette suggests calculating on the pre-tax amount since the server didn't provide "tax service." However, many people tip on the total (including tax) for simplicity, and it's only a small difference (about $1-2 on most bills). Either approach is acceptable. Restaurant POS systems often calculate suggested tips on the post-tax total.
How do you split a bill when people want to tip different amounts? ▼
If group members genuinely had different service experiences or have different tipping philosophies, calculate tips individually based on what each person ordered. Most commonly though, it's simpler to agree on one tip percentage (usually 18-20%) and split the total bill + tip equally. This avoids awkward negotiations and ensures the server gets fair compensation.
Do I need to tip on takeout orders? ▼
Tipping on takeout is not required but is increasingly common and appreciated. Many restaurants have staff who specifically package takeout orders. 10% is a standard takeout tip, though some people tip 15-20% especially for complex orders, modifications, or if the restaurant went out of their way. For simple pickup with minimal service, $1-2 or rounding up is acceptable.