Tip Calculator

Calculate tips and split bills easily. Perfect for restaurants, delivery, and service tipping.

Service Quality (Optional)

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How to Use the Tip Calculator

  1. Enter Bill Amount: Input your total bill before tip
  2. Select Tip Percentage: Choose a preset (10%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 25%) or enter a custom amount
  3. Optional Service Quality: Select service quality for automatic tip suggestion
  4. Split the Bill: Enter number of people if splitting costs
  5. Calculate: Get instant breakdown of tip amount, total, and per-person costs

Understanding Tipping Culture

Tipping is a crucial part of service industry compensation in many countries, particularly in the United States where servers often earn below minimum wage and rely on tips for their income. Understanding proper tipping etiquette not only ensures fair compensation for service workers but also demonstrates respect and appreciation for good service.

The standard tip percentage has evolved over time. While 15% was once the norm for good restaurant service, 18-20% has become the new standard, with 20-25% reserved for exceptional service. These percentages reflect the rising cost of living and the fact that many service workers' base wages haven't kept pace with inflation.

When to Adjust Your Tip

  • Exceptional Service: Increase to 22-25% for attentive, friendly, efficient service
  • Large Groups: Some restaurants add automatic gratuity for 6+ people (usually 18-20%)
  • Complicated Orders: Consider tipping more for special accommodations or dietary needs
  • Poor Service: If reducing below 15%, consider speaking to a manager first—kitchen issues aren't the server's fault
  • Takeout Orders: 10% is customary if restaurant staff packages your order
  • Delivery in Bad Weather: Increase tip by 5-10% for delivery during rain, snow, or extreme conditions

Tipping Around the World

United States & Canada: 15-20% standard for restaurants, bars, taxis, and personal services

United Kingdom: 10-15% at restaurants; rounding up for taxis and pubs

Europe: Often included in bill (service charge); small additional tip (5-10%) appreciated

Japan: Tipping can be seen as insulting; exceptional service is expected as standard

Australia: Not mandatory; small tips (10%) appreciated for exceptional service

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

Technically, tipping etiquette suggests calculating on the pre-tax amount. However, many people tip on the total (post-tax) for simplicity. The difference is usually minimal—on a $50 pre-tax bill with 8% tax, a 20% tip is $10 (pre-tax) vs $10.80 (post-tax).

What if service was poor but food was great?

Remember that servers don't control kitchen quality. If food was excellent but service lacking, tip normally (15-18%) and provide feedback to management. Only reduce tips significantly if the server was genuinely rude or neglectful.

Do I tip on discounted or comped meals?

Yes! Always tip on the original price before discounts, coupons, or comped items. The server provided the same work regardless of what you paid. Failing to do so penalizes them for the restaurant's promotion.

Is there a minimum tip amount I should leave?

Even for small bills (coffee, single drink), consider a $1-2 minimum tip. For delivery orders, $3-5 minimum is customary regardless of order size, as drivers incur fixed costs (gas, vehicle wear).

Should I tip at fast-casual restaurants?

At counter-service restaurants where you order and pick up food yourself, tipping isn't mandatory but appreciated. $1-2 or 10% for good service is a kind gesture, especially if staff go above and beyond.

How do I split tips when splitting the bill?

Calculate the total tip first, then divide by number of people. This ensures the full tip amount is covered. Our calculator does this automatically when you enter the number of people splitting.

💡 Tipping Best Practices

  • Tip in Cash When Possible: Servers receive it immediately and it's often tax-advantaged
  • Don't Punish Servers for Kitchen Issues: Slow food preparation isn't their fault
  • Round Up for Simplicity: $10.37 tip? Round to $11 or $12
  • Check for Auto-Gratuity: Some restaurants add automatic 18-20% tip for large groups
  • Consider the Whole Experience: Ambiance, cleanliness, and overall service matter

Service Industry Insights

Many restaurant servers in the US earn as little as $2.13-5.00 per hour in base wages, with tips expected to bring them to minimum wage or above. Your tip isn't just appreciation—it's often the majority of their income. Quality service workers remember generous, consistent tippers and may provide even better service on return visits.

💰 Tipping Guidelines (USA)

  • Restaurants: 15-20% for good service, 20-25% for excellent
  • Food Delivery: 15-20% (minimum $3-5)
  • Bartender: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab
  • Taxi/Rideshare: 10-15%
  • Hair Salon: 15-20%
  • Hotel Housekeeping: $2-5 per day