Tip Calculator

Tip Calculator: Mastering Restaurant Gratuity and Bill Splitting

Tipping is an essential part of dining culture in many countries, particularly the United States, where service workers rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. Yet calculating tips—especially when splitting bills among friends—often leads to confusion, awkward math at the table, and sometimes undertipping hardworking staff. Our free tip calculator handles all the math instantly: enter your bill, select a tip percentage, split among any number of people, and even round up to a nice number for easier payment.

Beyond simple calculation, understanding tipping norms helps you navigate social expectations confidently. This guide covers standard tip percentages by service type, when and how much to tip, international tipping differences, and strategies for fair bill splitting. Whether you're dining alone or with a large group, this tool ensures appropriate gratuity every time. For other financial calculations, explore our Percentage Calculator and Discount Calculator.

Tipping Percentages: A Complete Guide

Full-service restaurants (US): 15-20% is standard, with 18-20% becoming the modern baseline for good service. Tip on the pre-tax subtotal when possible. For exceptional service, 22-25% is appropriate. Below 15% signals dissatisfaction and should be reserved for genuinely poor service.

Bartenders: $1-2 per drink for simple orders, 15-20% for complex cocktails or running a tab. If a bartender makes your evening special with conversation or recommendations, tip generously.

Takeout and counter service: Historically tipping was optional (0-10%), but post-pandemic norms increasingly expect 15-20% for takeout, especially from full-service restaurants that prepared your order. Counter-service cafes often present tip screens—10-15% is appreciated but not obligatory.

Food delivery: 15-20% of the order total, with a minimum of $3-5 for small orders. Factor in distance, weather conditions, and order complexity. Drivers often cover vehicle expenses from tips. Calculate savings with our Savings Calculator.

Hair salons and spas: 15-20% for stylists, with separate tips for assistants who shampoo. Higher rates (20-25%) for complex color work or exceptional results. Many salons add gratuity guidelines to receipts.

Hotels: $2-5 per bag for bellhops, $2-5 per night for housekeeping (left daily, not just at checkout), $1-2 per car for valet. Concierge tips vary by service complexity—$5-20 for difficult reservations or special arrangements.

International Tipping Practices

United Kingdom: 10-15% is standard for restaurants. Service charge is often included; if so, additional tipping is optional. Pub drinks don't require tips, though "and one for yourself" invitations are polite.

European Union: Service charges are typically included in prices. Small cash tips (rounding up or 5-10%) are appreciated but not expected. In some countries like France, leaving coins is sufficient.

Australia and New Zealand: Tipping is uncommon due to higher base wages. 10% for exceptional service is generous; no tip is perfectly acceptable. Rounding up is the most common practice.

Japan: Tipping can be considered rude—it implies the worker needs charity. Service excellence is expected as standard. Some tourist areas now accept tips, but cash left on tables may be returned to you.

Canada: Similar to the US, 15-20% is standard for restaurants. Taxes are added separately, so tip on pretax amount. Some provinces have higher minimum wages, but tipping culture remains strong. Calculate taxes with our GST Calculator.

Bill Splitting Strategies

Equal split: The simplest approach—divide total (including tip) evenly. Fair when orders are similar in price. Use the round-up feature so everyone pays a clean amount.

Itemized split: Each person pays for their items plus proportional tip. More complex but fair when orders vary significantly. Some restaurants accommodate separate checks.

Venmo/payment apps: One person pays the full bill, others reimburse their share digitally. Our calculator shows exact per-person amounts for easy transfers. Include tip in the reimbursement amount.

The "generous round": Everyone throws in a round amount (each person pays $25 on a $87 bill for 4). Usually covers extra tip and avoids awkward counting. The remainder becomes a generous tip. Use our Markup Calculator for business pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tipping

Should I tip on tax?

Traditionally, you tip on the pre-tax subtotal. However, tipping on the full amount (including tax) is increasingly common and simpler to calculate. The difference is typically small—on a $50 meal with 8% tax, tipping 20% on the total vs. subtotal differs by only $0.80.

What if service was poor?

Distinguish between server issues (slow, inattentive) and kitchen issues (slow food, wrong order). Servers don't control kitchen timing. For genuinely poor server attitude, 10-15% is appropriate. Zero tip should be rare and reserved for truly egregious behavior—it often hurts support staff who share tips.

Should I tip for carryout/pickup?

This varies by opinion. Pre-pandemic, carryout tips were uncommon. Now, 10-15% is appreciated, acknowledging that staff packaged your order carefully. It's optional but increasingly expected, especially at restaurants that pivoted heavily to takeout. Check our VAT Calculator for EU calculations.

How do I tip on a credit card?

Add your tip to the subtotal line on the receipt, write the total, and sign. Some restaurants pool tips and distribute evenly; others let servers keep their own. Cash tips paid directly ensure your server receives the full amount immediately without processing delays.