π΅ Tip Calculator
Calculate tips, split the bill, and compare tip percentages.
Tip Amount
How to Use This Calculator
This calculator figures out restaurant tips and splits the bill in a few seconds. Enter the bill, pick a tip percentage, and it shows the tip, the total, and what each person owes.
Enter the bill amount. If you want the tip calculated on the post-tax total, also enter the tax amount and select "Post-tax bill".
Pick a tip percentage with the preset buttons (15, 18, 20, 25) or type a custom value.
Enter the number of people splitting the bill. The per-person share updates automatically.
Compare the 15 to 25 percent table to decide quickly at the table.
US Tipping Norms by Service
Tipping expectations in the US vary by service. Sit-down restaurants: 15 to 20 percent of the bill. Bars: $1 to $2 per drink, or 15 to 20 percent of the tab. Food delivery: 10 to 15 percent with a $3 to $5 minimum. Hair salons and barbers: 15 to 20 percent. Coffee shops: spare change or $1 per drink is appreciated but not required. Hotels: $2 to $5 per night for housekeeping, $1 to $2 per bag for bellhops.
Worked Example
Dinner bill: $85.50, tax $6.84, four friends splitting, 20 percent tip on the pre-tax bill. Tip = 85.50 x 0.20 = $17.10. Total = 85.50 + 6.84 + 17.10 = $109.44. Per person = 109.44 / 4 = $27.36. If the group had tipped on the post-tax amount instead, the tip would be (85.50 + 6.84) x 0.20 = $18.47, about $1.37 more.
The Pre-Tax vs Post-Tax Debate
Traditional etiquette guides say to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, because sales tax goes to the government rather than rewarding service. In practice, most people tip on whatever total is easiest, and servers will not notice the difference of a dollar or two. What matters more is consistency and generosity: rounding up is always appreciated. One thing to watch for is the double-tip trap: some receipts show "suggested tip" amounts calculated on the post-tax total, which quietly inflates the tip by the tax rate. Now you know how to check the math yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the US, 15 to 20 percent is the standard range for sit-down restaurants: 15 percent for adequate service, 18 to 20 percent for good service, and 20 percent or more for excellent service. Bars are usually $1 to $2 per drink, and the same 15 to 20 percent applies to salon and spa services.
Do you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Traditional etiquette says to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since tax is money the restaurant passes to the government, not a service. In practice the difference is small: on a $100 bill with 8 percent tax, a 20 percent tip is $20 pre-tax versus $21.60 post-tax. Either is acceptable; pick one and be consistent.
What is auto-gratuity?
Many restaurants add an automatic gratuity, usually 18 to 20 percent, for large parties (often 6 or more people). It appears as a line item on the bill. When auto-gratuity is present you do not need to add a further tip unless the service was exceptional, but check whether it says gratuity or service charge, since a service charge may not go to your server.
How much should I tip for delivery?
For food delivery, 10 to 15 percent or a minimum of $3 to $5 is the common guidance, whichever is higher. Bad weather, long distances, and large or heavy orders deserve more. App-based delivery drivers keep the tip, so tipping in the app is the reliable way to make sure it reaches them.
How do I split a bill evenly?
Add the tip to the bill total, then divide by the number of people. If some people ordered much more than others, split the pre-tip subtotal by what each person ordered, then divide only the shared items (like appetizers) and the tip evenly. This calculator handles the even-split case instantly.