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Tip Calculator

Split any bill and calculate tips instantly — for any group size and service level.

Tipping etiquette tips

  • For exceptional service — a server who went out of their way, handled a difficult situation with grace, or delivered a flawless experience — don't hesitate to go above 25%.
  • Service quality matters: a 15% tip is considered adequate but not generous; 18–20% is the standard "good service" signal; below 10% is typically understood as feedback.
  • International note: tipping customs vary widely. In Japan, tipping is often considered rude; in Australia, it's optional; in the US, 15–25% is the norm for sit-down restaurants.
  • If a service charge is already included on the bill (common for parties of 6+), you don't need to add a separate tip — but you can leave a small additional amount for exceptional service.

Why tipping norms keep shifting

The standard restaurant tip in the US has crept upward from 15% in the 1990s to 18–20% today, driven partly by inflation eroding the value of absolute tips and partly by the rise of digital payment systems that suggest default amounts. In many service industries, workers rely on tips to supplement wages that fall below the general minimum wage under tip credit laws.

For large groups, many restaurants automatically add an 18–20% gratuity to prevent "social loafing" (each person assuming others will tip generously). Always check your bill before adding an additional tip — you may already be covered. For takeout and delivery, 10–15% for takeout and 15–20% for delivery is now widely considered appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

What is a standard tip percentage?
In the US, 15–20% is the standard range for sit-down restaurant service. 20% has become the new baseline expectation in many cities. For other services: hair salons 15–20%, taxis/rideshare 15–20%, hotel housekeeping $2–$5 per night, food delivery 15–20%. Always check if a service charge is already included.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Etiquette-wise, tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically "correct" — your server didn't perform more service because the government takes a cut. In practice, the difference is small (usually 1–3% of the tip amount) and most people tip on the post-tax total for simplicity. Either approach is acceptable; what matters most is leaving a fair amount for good service.
How do I calculate 20% tip in my head?
The easiest method: move the decimal point one place to the left to get 10%, then double it for 20%. Example: $47.50 bill → 10% = $4.75 → 20% = $9.50. For 15%, find 10% and add half of that. For 18%, find 10% + half of 10% + about a third — or just use this calculator and save the mental math.

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