How to calculate a tip
A tip is calculated as a percentage of the pre-tax bill amount. Multiply the bill by the tip percentage expressed as a decimal, then add to the bill for the total.
Tip amount = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100) Total = Bill + Tip amount Example: $85.00 bill at 18% → $85 × 0.18 = $15.30 tip → $100.30 total Quick mental math
For 10%: move the decimal point one place left — 10% of $85 is $8.50. For 20%: double that — $17.00. For 15%: take 10% and add half — $8.50 + $4.25 = $12.75.
How much to tip — by service type
| Service | Standard range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18–20% | 15% for adequate service; 20–25% for exceptional |
| Bar / drinks only | 15–20% | Or $1–2 per drink for simple orders |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | Minimum $3–5 for small orders |
| Coffee shop / counter | 10–15% | Optional; tip jars are common |
| Taxi / rideshare | 15–20% | Round up for short rides |
| Hair / beauty salon | 15–20% | Tip each person who worked on you separately |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 per night | Leave daily; staff may change each day |
| Valet parking | $2–5 | On pickup; higher in major cities |
How to split a bill
Use the stepper to set the number of people. The calculator divides the total — bill plus tip — equally. The round up option rounds each share to the nearest whole dollar, with the small surplus noted so you know exactly how much extra is collected.
Per person = (Bill + Tip) ÷ Number of people Example: $100.30 ÷ 4 people = $25.08 each Rounded up: $26 each → $104 collected ($3.70 extra) Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Convention varies. In the United States, tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the technical standard, but tipping on the total (including tax) is widely accepted. The difference on a typical bill is small — on a $90 pre-tax bill with 10% tax, 20% tip is $18.00 pre-tax or $19.80 post-tax.
What is a standard tip for takeout or pickup orders?
Tipping for takeout is optional but appreciated. 10% is reasonable for standard pickup; more if the order was complex. Apps often suggest higher amounts — you are never obligated to tip the prompted percentage.
How do I tip when a gratuity is already included?
Check the bill for terms like "service charge," "gratuity included," or "18% added for parties of 6 or more." If a gratuity is already included, no additional tip is required. Never double-tip by adding a percentage on top of an included gratuity.
Does the split work if people ordered different amounts?
This calculator divides the total equally. If your group wants to split by what each person ordered, enter each person's individual bill separately. Most point-of-sale systems also allow the server to split by seat before running individual cards.
Does this calculator store my data?
No. All calculations run in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server or saved anywhere.