How to use the tip calculator
Enter the bill, the tip percentage and how many people are paying. Check the round-up box if you want each share to be a whole dollar amount — the calculator then recomputes the actual tip so everything adds up. The table below the result shows the tip, total and per-person share at other common percentages.
Tip formula
Tip = bill × tip % ÷ 100
Total = bill + tip
Per person = total ÷ number of people
Worked example
Two friends split an $85 dinner and leave 18%. Tip = 85 × 0.18 = $15.30, so the total is $100.30 and each pays $50.15. If they round each share up to $51, the total becomes $102 and the tip $17 — exactly 20% of the bill.
Common U.S. tipping guidelines
Customs vary by region and by type of service. These ranges are widely used starting points, not rules:
| Service | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15–20% of the pre-tax bill |
| Buffet | About 10% |
| Bartender | $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab |
| Food delivery | 15–20%, with a few dollars minimum on small orders |
| Taxi or rideshare | 15–20% |
| Hair salon or barber | 15–20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | A few dollars per night |
Check the bill before you tip
- Service charges. Many restaurants add an automatic gratuity for large parties. Look for "gratuity" or "service charge" on the bill so you don't tip twice.
- Before or after tax. Etiquette guides usually suggest tipping on the pre-tax subtotal; tipping on the total is simply more generous. Enter whichever amount you prefer.
- Discounts and coupons. Consider tipping on the price before the discount — your server did the same work either way.
- Uneven orders. Splitting evenly is easiest, but if one person ordered far more, have each person tip on their own share.
Mental math shortcuts
- 10%: move the decimal point one place left — $85 becomes $8.50.
- 20%: double the 10% amount — $17.
- 15%: 10% plus half of it — $8.50 + $4.25 = $12.75.
- 18%: 20% minus 2% — $17 − $1.70 = $15.30.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
For table service in the U.S., 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is the usual range, with more for exceptional service or a long, complicated meal.
Should I tip on the total with tax or before tax?
Either is acceptable. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the traditional guideline; tipping on the total gives your server a little more.
How do I split a bill with tip?
Add the tip to the bill first, then divide the total by the number of people. An $85 bill with an 18% tip is $100.30, or $50.15 each for two people.
What does rounding up per person do?
Each share is raised to the next whole dollar, which makes paying in cash or by app easier. The extra cents go to the tip, so the effective tip rate rises slightly — the calculator shows the new rate.
Do I need to tip on takeout?
Tipping on takeout is optional in the U.S. Many people leave a small tip, especially for large or complicated orders that take time to pack.
Last updated: October 8, 2026