How to calculate a tip
A tip is a percentage of the bill. Multiply the bill by the tip rate and divide by 100: on an $86.40 bill, an 18% tip is 86.40 × 18 ÷ 100 = $15.55, for a total of $101.95. To split it, divide the total by the number of people. Two people would each pay $50.98. The calculator does all of this as you type and shows a quick table of common tip rates from 10% to 25%, so you can compare at a glance.
A handy mental shortcut is to find 10% by moving the decimal point one place left, then build from there. On $86.40, 10% is $8.64, so 20% is $17.28 and 15% is $8.64 plus half of that, $12.96.
How much to tip in the US
Tipping customs vary by country, but in the United States tips make up a large share of income for many service workers, some of whom earn a tipped minimum wage as low as $2.13 an hour under federal law. For table service at a restaurant, 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill is standard, with 20% or more for excellent service or large groups. Bartenders typically get $1 to $2 per drink or 15% to 20% of the tab. Food delivery drivers usually get 15% to 20% with a minimum of a few dollars. Hairdressers, barbers and nail technicians are commonly tipped 15% to 20%. Counter service and tip jars are optional; many people leave 10% or round up.
Before or after tax?
Etiquette guides traditionally say to tip on the pre-tax amount, since tax is not part of the service. In practice many people tip on the total for simplicity, and the difference is small: on a $100 meal with 8% tax, a 20% tip is $20 before tax or $21.60 after. Enter whichever amount you prefer. If you used a coupon or a gift card, it is considered polite to tip on the original amount before the discount, because your server did the same work. Check the receipt for an automatic gratuity, often added for groups of six or more, so you do not tip twice.
Splitting the bill fairly
An even split is quick, but it is not always fair if one person ordered much more than the others. In that case each person can run their own share through the calculator. When splitting evenly, cents can make paying awkward, so turn on rounding to round each person’s share up to the next whole dollar. The calculator shows the total collected after rounding, and the extra simply becomes a slightly larger tip. For international travel, remember that in much of Europe and Asia service is included or tipping is modest, and in Japan tipping can be considered rude.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 20% tip on $50?
$10, for a total of $60.
Should I tip on the total with tax?
Traditionally tips are based on the pre-tax amount, but tipping on the total is common and the difference is small.
How much should I tip for delivery?
Around 15% to 20% of the order, with a minimum of a few dollars, more in bad weather or for long distances.
How do I split a bill with a tip?
Add the tip to the bill, then divide the total by the number of people. The calculator does this for you.