How to Use This Tip Calculator
Our tip calculator makes it easy to figure out how much to tip at restaurants, bars, cafes, and for any service. Simply enter your bill amount, select a tip percentage (or enter a custom amount), and instantly see the tip amount and total bill.
Quick Tipping Guide
- 15% - Standard for average service
- 18-20% - Good to great service (most common)
- 25%+ - Exceptional service or difficult orders
- 10% - Below average service (consider speaking to manager)
Splitting Bills Made Easy
Going out with friends? Use the "Split Between" feature to divide the total bill (including tip) equally among your group. No more awkward math at the table!
When to Tip
- Restaurants: 15-20% of pre-tax bill
- Delivery: $3-5 minimum or 15-20%
- Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab
- Takeout: 10% optional (not required)
Why Use a Tip Calculator?
While you can calculate tips manually, a tip calculator offers several advantages, especially when dining out with friends or in a hurry:
- Speed: Get instant results without doing mental math at the table
- Accuracy: No rounding errors or miscalculations
- Bill splitting: Easily divide costs among groups
- Custom percentages: Calculate any tip amount, not just standard 15-20%
- Mobile-friendly: Use it right at your table on your phone
Common Tipping Scenarios
Example 1: Casual Dinner
Bill: $45.00 | Service: Good | Tip: 20%
Tip amount: $9.00 | Total: $54.00
Example 2: Group Dinner (4 people)
Bill: $120.00 | Service: Great | Tip: 20%
Total with tip: $144.00 | Per person: $36.00
Example 3: Quick Lunch
Bill: $18.00 | Service: Standard | Tip: 15%
Tip amount: $2.70 | Total: $20.70
Tipping Tips for International Visitors
If you're visiting the United States from abroad, tipping culture might feel unfamiliar. Unlike many countries where service charges are included or tipping is minimal, tipping 15-20% is standard and expected in America. Here's why:
- Lower base wages: US servers often earn $2-3/hour base pay (below minimum wage), with tips making up the majority of their income
- Cultural expectation: Not tipping is considered very rude and can be seen as an insult
- Quality service: The tipping system incentivizes excellent customer service
- Tax implications: Servers are taxed on expected tips, so not tipping actually costs them money
When dining in the US, always budget for tips as part of your meal cost. A $50 meal realistically costs $60 after a 20% tip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I tip before or after tax?
Traditionally, you tip on the pre-tax amount. However, tipping on the post-tax total is also acceptable. The difference is usually minimal.
Is 15% still acceptable?
Yes, 15% is acceptable for average service, but 18-20% has become the new standard in most cities, especially for good service.
Should I tip on takeout?
Tipping on takeout is optional but appreciated. 0-10% is common, with 10% being generous for complex orders or during busy times.