How do I calculate a tip?

To calculate a tip, multiply the bill amount by your desired tip percentage. For a 20% tip on a $50 bill: $50 × 0.20 = $10 tip. The total amount owed is $60.

What is the standard tip percentage at a restaurant?

The standard restaurant tip in the United States is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill. For excellent service, 20–25% is common. For buffets or counter service, 10% is appropriate.

How do I split the tip among multiple people?

Add the tip to the total bill, then divide by the number of people. Our tip calculator does this automatically — just enter the number of guests and get an instant per-person amount.

Tip Calculator — Calculate Restaurant Tips & Split Bills Instantly

How to Calculate a Restaurant Tip

Calculating the right tip doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're dining at a fine restaurant, grabbing takeout, or splitting the check with a large group, knowing how to figure out the appropriate gratuity shows appreciation for good service and helps you avoid any social awkwardness.

The basic tip formula is simple: Tip Amount = Bill Total × Tip Percentage. For example, a 20% tip on a $45.00 dinner bill would be $9.00, bringing your total to $54.00. Our tip calculator above handles this math instantly — and if you're splitting among a group, it divides everything evenly too.

Standard Tip Percentages by Service Type

Fine Dining (full-service restaurant): 18–25%. These servers typically handle more courses, have specialized knowledge, and often earn lower base wages.
Casual Restaurants: 15–20% is standard. If the service was excellent, 20–25% is a great way to show appreciation.
Bar Service: $1–$2 per drink, or 15–20% of the tab for table service at bars.
Takeout or Counter Service: 10–15% is appreciated, though optional at purely counter-service locations.
Food Delivery: 15–20% of the order total, plus any delivery fee. Consider traffic, weather, and distance.
Buffet Service: 10% is typical — servers still clear plates, refill drinks, and keep the experience enjoyable.
Pizza Delivery: $3–$5 minimum per order, or 15% on larger orders.

How to Calculate Tip Without a Calculator

While our tip calculator makes things effortless, sometimes you need a quick mental calculation. Here are two fast methods:

The Double-Tax Method: Look at your sales tax (usually 6–10%). Double it to get roughly a 12–20% tip. It's not exact, but it's fast and gives a reasonable starting point.

The Move-Decimal Method: To calculate 10%, just move the decimal point one place to the left ($45.00 → $4.50). Then double it for 20% ($9.00), or add half for 15% ($6.75).

Should You Tip on Tax?

This is a common question. Technically, tipping on the pre-tax amount is the "correct" approach since tax isn't part of the restaurant's revenue. However, in practice, most people tip on the total amount shown on the bill (including tax), and the difference is usually just a dollar or two. Our calculator lets you enter either the pre-tax or post-tax amount — just use whatever number appears on your receipt.

How to Split the Bill Evenly

Enter the number of people in the "Number of People" field above. Our tip calculator will automatically divide the total (bill + tip) equally among all guests. For uneven splits — where different people ordered different amounts — the easiest approach is to calculate the total with tip, then use your judgment for how to divide it.

Tip Calculator for Delivery Apps

With the rise of food delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, tipping has evolved. Delivery drivers often earn most of their income from tips. A general guideline is 15–20% of the subtotal, with a minimum of $3–$5 regardless of order size. Bad weather, long distances, or heavy orders warrant higher tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard tip percentage in the US? +

The standard tip in the United States is 15–20% for full-service restaurants. For excellent service, 20–25% is common. Tipping norms vary by country — in some parts of Europe, tipping is less common, while in Japan, tipping is generally considered rude.

How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly? +

To calculate 20% quickly, move the decimal point one place left to find 10%, then double that number. For a $38.50 bill: 10% = $3.85, doubled = $7.70. So your 20% tip is $7.70, and your total is $46.20.

Is it rude not to tip? +

In the United States, tipping is a cultural expectation at full-service restaurants because servers often receive a tipped minimum wage below the standard minimum wage. Not tipping (unless the service was genuinely unacceptable) is generally considered rude and can negatively impact a server's livelihood.

Should you tip before or after tax? +

Technically, you should tip on the pre-tax amount, since tips are meant to compensate for service — not taxes. However, most people tip on the total bill amount (including tax) for simplicity, and the difference is typically small.

How much do I tip for bad service? +

If the service was poor due to factors within the server's control (attitude, attentiveness, order accuracy), 10% is an acceptable tip. However, consider whether the issue was the server's fault — kitchen delays, short staffing, or system issues are often beyond their control.