Tipping etiquette in the United States is straightforward but the math trips people up, especially when splitting bills. The standard tip for table service is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. A $80 dinner tab warrants a $12-$16 tip. For groups of 6 or more, many restaurants add an automatic 18% gratuity. This calculator handles individual tips, group splits, and custom percentages instantly. The post-pandemic shift has also introduced tip prompts at counter-service and fast-casual spots where 10-15% or no tip is generally acceptable — different from sit-down restaurants.
Tip Calculator
Compare Tip Percentages
| Tip % | Tip | Total | Per Person |
|---|
Tip Amount Reference Chart
Tip amounts at common percentages for various bill sizes
| Bill Amount | 15% Tip | 18% Tip | 20% Tip | 25% Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| $30 | $4.50 | $5.40 | $6.00 | $7.50 |
| $40 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| $50 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $75 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $18.75 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $125 | $18.75 | $22.50 | $25.00 | $31.25 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
| $300 | $45.00 | $54.00 | $60.00 | $75.00 |
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your bill total — use the pre-tax amount for traditional tipping etiquette
- Select your tip percentage — 15% for adequate service, 18% for good service, 20% for excellent service
- If splitting, enter the number of people to divide the total evenly
- View the tip amount, total per person, and the final bill
- Adjust quickly if the auto-calculated amount seems too high or low for the situation
How It Works
Calculating a tip is simple math, but splitting bills among a group can get tricky. This calculator handles everything from basic tips to multi-person splits.
The basic rule:
- Tip Amount = Bill × (Tip Percentage ÷ 100)
- Total Bill = Bill Amount + Tip Amount
- Per Person = Total Bill ÷ Number of People
- Common tip rates: 15% (acceptable), 18% (standard), 20% (good), 25% (excellent)
In the United States, 15-20% is standard for sit-down restaurant service. For exceptional service, 25% or more is appropriate. Tip on the pre-tax bill amount, not the after-tax total.
Tips & Considerations
- Tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the after-tax total. On a $100 bill with $9 tax, a 20% tip should be $20, not $21.80.
- For large groups, check if gratuity is already included before adding your own tip. Double-tipping on top of auto-gratuity is generous but usually unintentional.
- Delivery drivers and rideshare drivers rely on tips more than restaurant servers in many cases. $3-$5 minimum for delivery, 15-20% for larger orders.
- In many countries outside the US, tipping is not expected or is considered insulting. Research local customs when traveling internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the US, 15-20% is standard for sit-down dining. 15% is considered acceptable for average service, 18% is common for good service, and 20%+ is appropriate for excellent service. For counter service or takeout, 10-15% or a flat dollar amount is typical.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Traditionally, you tip on the pre-tax bill amount. However, tipping on the total (including tax) has become increasingly common and the difference is usually small. For example, on a $50 bill with 8% tax, the difference between tipping 20% pre-tax ($10) vs post-tax ($10.80) is just 80 cents.
How do I split a bill evenly among a group?
Add the tip to the total bill, then divide by the number of people. For example, a $100 bill with 20% tip = $120 total ÷ 4 people = $30 per person. This calculator does this automatically.
What if the service was bad — do I still have to tip?
Tipping is not legally required but is customary. For poor service, 10-15% is considered acceptable. If the issue was with the food (not the server), remember that your server doesn't cook the food. It's appropriate to speak with a manager about food issues separately.
How much do you tip for delivery?
For food delivery, 15-20% is standard, with a minimum of $3-5 for small orders. For large orders, bad weather, or long distances, consider tipping more. For grocery or large item delivery, $5-10 or 15-20% is appropriate.
Is tipping different in other countries?
Yes, tipping customs vary widely. In Japan and South Korea, tipping is uncommon and can be seen as rude. In many European countries, a service charge is included in the bill. In Canada, Australia, and the UK, 10-15% is typical. Always research local customs when traveling.