Tip calculator

US tipping quick guide

• Sit-down restaurant: 18–20% · Bar: $1–2/drink · Delivery: 15–20% (min $3–5)
• Taxi/rideshare: 10–15% · Hair salon: 15–20% · Hotel housekeeping: $2–5/night

Tipping culture varies a lot by country — in the US it's considered part of service workers' expected income because base wages are often lower for tipped roles, whereas in many other countries a service charge is already included or tipping is optional. Full situational guide: How much to tip in the USA.

Total bill by tip percentage

Bill	15% tip	18% tip	20% tip	25% tip
$20	$23.00	$23.60	$24.00	$25.00
$40	$46.00	$47.20	$48.00	$50.00
$60	$69.00	$70.80	$72.00	$75.00
$80	$92.00	$94.40	$96.00	$100.00
$100	$115.00	$118.00	$120.00	$125.00
$150	$172.50	$177.00	$180.00	$187.50

How to split a tip fairly among a group

There are two common ways to split a tip. An equal split divides the total bill and tip evenly by the number of people, which is simplest and works well when everyone ordered roughly the same amount. A proportional split has each person pay tip based on what they actually ordered, which is fairer when the bill varies a lot between diners.

Worked example: a table of three has a $90 bill and wants to leave a 20% tip ($18, for a $108 total). With an equal split, each person pays $36. If instead diner A ordered $50 of food, diner B ordered $25 and diner C ordered $15, a proportional split would have A pay 50/90 of the total ($60), B pay 25/90 ($30) and C pay 15/90 ($18), so each person's share tracks what they actually spent rather than an even three-way cut.

When you can tip less or skip the tip

A few situations make it acceptable to tip less than the usual 18–20%, or skip a tip entirely. If the receipt already shows a service charge or automatic gratuity line, an additional tip usually isn't expected, though adding a bit more for outstanding service is always welcome. Counter-service spots where you order and pick up your own food, such as a coffee shop or fast-casual counter, typically don't carry the same tipping expectation as full table service, and any amount left in a tip jar is a bonus rather than a requirement. If service was genuinely poor, a lower tip than usual is a reasonable way to signal that, though it's worth considering whether the issue was the server's fault or a kitchen or timing problem outside their control.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I tip at a US restaurant?

18–20% of the pre-tax bill for normal service; 15% reads as below average.

Do you tip on tax?

Convention is pre-tax, but tipping on the total is fine too.

Should I tip the same for takeout?

Takeout tipping is optional and typically lower — 0–10% is common, versus 18–20% for full table service.

What if the bill already includes a service charge?

Check the receipt: if it lists a service charge or gratuity line, that usually replaces the tip, so no additional amount is expected, though you can still add a small extra amount for exceptional service. This is common for large groups, banquets and some restaurants in tourist areas.

Should I split a tip equally or based on what each person ordered?

Either works, but proportional splitting is fairer when the bill varies a lot between diners. For roughly equal orders, an even split is simpler and the difference is usually small.

Is tipping expected outside the US?

Much less so in most other countries. Many places include a service charge in the bill or don't expect tipping at all, since base wages for service workers aren't structured around tips the way they often are in the US. Check local convention before assuming US-style tipping applies.

What this calculator does not include

• Sales tax — the calculator's bill total is what you enter; tipping convention in the US is on the pre-tax subtotal, so make sure you're entering that figure, not the tax-inclusive total.
• Non-US conventions — the 18–20% guidance reflects US restaurant norms. Tipping culture varies widely elsewhere — see our UK tipping guide for a different convention.