Everyday Math

Tip Calculator

Enter your bill, pick a tip percentage, and — if you're splitting — the number of people. Get the tip, the total, and each person's share instantly.

How much should you tip?

In the United States, tipping is a standard part of paying for service. Common guidelines:

SituationTypical tip
Restaurant, table service15–20% (18% is a comfortable default)
Exceptional service20–25%
Buffet~10%
Food delivery10–15% (minimum $3–5)
Bartender$1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab
Taxi / rideshare10–15%
Hair stylist / barber15–20%

Outside the US, customs differ a lot: in Japan and South Korea tipping is not expected at all, in much of Europe a service charge is often already included, and in Canada US-style percentages apply.

Tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

Etiquette guides traditionally say the tip is calculated on the pre-tax subtotal, but in practice most people tip on the total — the difference is small (on a $100 bill with 8% tax, an 18% tip differs by $1.44). Either is acceptable; tipping on the total is simply more generous.

Quick mental math for tipping

Frequently asked questions

Should I tip if a service charge is already added?

If the bill says "service charge included" or "gratuity added" (common for groups of 6+), an extra tip is optional — many people round up or add a few dollars for great service.

Is it rude to tip less for bad service?

Tipping less (10% or so) is a recognized signal of poor service in the US. Leaving nothing is generally reserved for truly unacceptable experiences — and consider speaking to a manager instead.

How does splitting work with uneven shares?

This calculator splits evenly. If one person had the $40 steak and another the $12 salad, it's fairest to split in proportion — our percentage calculator can help with that.