Tip Calculator
Calculate how much to tip and split the bill among multiple people.
How to calculate a tip
A tip is a percentage of the pre-tax bill paid as a gratuity to service staff. The formula is straightforward: multiply the bill by the tip percentage and divide by 100. Split-bill calculation then divides the combined total equally by the number of diners.
Tip amount = Bill × Tip% ÷ 100
Total bill = Bill + Tip amount
Per person = Total ÷ Number of people
Example: $85 bill, 18% tip, 3 people
Tip = $85 × 18 ÷ 100 = $15.30
Total = $85 + $15.30 = $100.30
Each = $100.30 ÷ 3 = $33.43Standard tipping rates by country and context
| Context | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US restaurant (sit-down) | 18–22% | Pre-tax amount; 20% is now the standard baseline |
| US fast casual / counter | 0–10% | Optional; prompted by many point-of-sale systems |
| UK restaurant | 10–15% | Check if service charge is already included |
| Europe (general) | 5–10% | Many countries consider tips a bonus, not an expectation |
| Australia | 0–10% | Tipping not expected; round up or leave coins |
| Japan / South Korea | 0% | Tipping is considered rude in these countries |
| Hotel bellhop / porter | $1–2 per bag | Cash preferred; given at time of service |
| Taxi / rideshare | 10–15% | Round up to nearest dollar for short rides |
| Hair salon / barber | 15–20% | Based on service total, not including product sales |
| Food delivery | $3–5 minimum | Or 15–20% for large orders |
Quick mental math: tip shortcuts
Splitting the bill fairly: common scenarios
Equal splitting works well when everyone orders similar amounts. For unequal orders, some groups prefer to pay individually — each person calculates their own subtotal plus their proportional share of the tip. A practical middle ground: split the tip equally even when food costs differ, since everyone benefits from good service.
Scenario: 4 people, $120 bill, 20% tip
Equal split: ($120 + $24) ÷ 4 = $36.00 each
Proportional split example:
Alice: $40 food → tip share = $40/$120 × $24 = $8.00 → pays $48
Bob: $20 food → tip share = $20/$120 × $24 = $4.00 → pays $24
Carol: $35 food → tip share = $35/$120 × $24 = $7.00 → pays $42
Dave: $25 food → tip share = $25/$120 × $24 = $5.00 → pays $30Tips for tipping
- Check for an auto-gratuity first. Many restaurants add an automatic 18–20% service charge for large groups (typically 6+ people). Tipping on top of this doubles the gratuity unintentionally.
- Tip on the pre-tax amount. You are tipping for service, not subsidising sales tax. Calculate the tip before tax is added for a technically more accurate gratuity.
- Cash tips are more valuable to staff. Card tips on split receipts may be pooled or delayed by payout schedules. Cash given directly to the server is received in full immediately.
- Adjust for exceptional service in both directions. A 25–30% tip recognises outstanding service. A reduced tip for genuinely poor service (not kitchen delays, which are outside a server's control) is appropriate — but communicate the issue to management when possible.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip?
In the US, 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for restaurant service, with 18% a common default. Norms vary by country and service type.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Customarily on the pre-tax subtotal, though many people simply tip on the total for convenience. The difference is usually small.
How do I split a bill with tip between people?
Add the tip to the bill, then divide by the number of people. This tool does both steps and shows the per-person amount.
Do I tip on takeout?
Tipping on takeout is optional and typically lower (0–10%) than for dine-in service, since there is no table service involved.
Calculates the tip amount, total bill, and per-person share for any restaurant bill or service. Supports splitting between multiple people.
Tip = Bill × tip%/100 | Total = Bill + tip | Per person = Total ÷ people