Calculate the right tip for any bill in seconds — see common tip amounts at a glance, or split the total evenly across your group.
How to Calculate a Tip
The math behind a tip is straightforward: multiply the bill by the tip percentage, then add it to the original amount.
Formula: Tip Amount = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100)
Formula: Total = Bill + Tip Amount
Example: $65 bill at 18% tip
- Tip: 65 × 0.18 = $11.70
- Total: 65 + 11.70 = $76.70
A quick mental shortcut: to find 10%, just move the decimal point one place left ($65 → $6.50). Double it for 20%, or use 1.5× for 15%.
Standard Tip Percentages
The right tip depends on the type of service and the quality of the experience.
| Service Type | Standard Tip |
|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15–20% |
| Exceptional restaurant service | 25% or more |
| Bar / cocktails | $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% |
| Food delivery | 15–20% (minimum $3–5) |
| Taxi / rideshare | 10–20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 per night |
| Hair salon / spa | 15–20% |
| Counter service / takeout | Optional: 0–10% |
Splitting the Bill
When dining in a group, the easiest approach is to split the total (including tip) evenly:
- Calculate the tip on the full bill
- Add tip to the bill to get the total
- Divide the total by the number of people
Example: $120 bill, 20% tip, 4 people
- Tip: $120 × 0.20 = $24
- Total: $120 + $24 = $144
- Per person: $144 ÷ 4 = $36 each
The Split the Bill calculator above does this automatically. Enter the bill amount, tip percentage, and number of people to see everyone’s share.
Pre-tax vs. Post-tax Tipping
Technically, tips are meant to reward service — not the government’s share — so etiquette guides recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal. In practice, most people tip on the full amount shown, and the difference is minimal.
On a $50 bill with 10% sales tax ($55 total):
- 20% on pre-tax: $10.00 tip
- 20% on post-tax: $11.00 tip
Either approach is perfectly acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a tip?
Multiply the bill amount by the tip percentage divided by 100. For example, a 20% tip on a $45 bill is 45 × 0.20 = $9.00, making the total $54.00.
What is a standard tip percentage?
In the United States, 15–20% is the standard tip for sit-down restaurant service. 15% is considered acceptable, 18–20% is common for good service, and 25% or more is for exceptional service. Counter service, takeout, and fast food typically require no tip, though 10% is a common gesture.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Most etiquette guides suggest tipping on the pre-tax subtotal, since tax is not part of the service. In practice, the difference is small — on a $50 bill with 8% tax, tipping 20% on pre-tax ($10.00) versus post-tax ($10.80) is only $0.80.
How do I split a bill evenly?
Add up the full bill including tip, then divide by the number of people. For example, a $60 bill with an 18% tip is $60 + $10.80 = $70.80 total. Split among 3 people: $70.80 / 3 = $23.60 per person.
What if our group had different orders?
The Split the Bill calculator above assumes an even split. If people ordered different amounts, calculate the tip on the full bill (to keep the percentage consistent), then split the tip evenly and have each person pay their own food cost plus their share of the tip.
How much tip for large groups?
Many restaurants automatically add an 18–20% gratuity for groups of 6 or more. Always check your bill before adding an extra tip — if a service charge is already included, an additional tip is at your discretion.
What is a fair tip for delivery?
For food delivery, $3–$5 is a minimum for small orders, with 15–20% recommended for larger orders or long distances. For grocery or package delivery, $2–$5 per delivery is typical.