How to Calculate a Tip
A tip is a percentage of the bill: multiply the bill by the tip rate divided by 100, then add it to the bill for the total. When sharing, divide the total by the number of people.
Total = Bill + Tip · Per person = Total ÷ People
A dinner bill of $85 with a 18% tip split among 4 people: tip = 85 × 0.18 = $15.30, total = $100.30, and each person pays $25.08 (one person pays the extra 2¢).
Tipping Guide by Service
| Service (US customs) | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant, table service | 15–20% |
| Exceptional service | 25%+ |
| Food delivery | 10–15% (min. $3–5) |
| Taxi / rideshare | 10–15% |
| Bartender | $1–2 per drink or 15–20% |
| Hair stylist / barber | 15–20% |
Outside the US, customs vary enormously: service charges are often included in Europe, tipping is modest in much of Asia, and in Japan it can even be considered impolite. When traveling, check local custom first.
In practice Splitting a group dinner without the awkward maths
Six colleagues finish dinner with a bill of $214.50 and agree on 18%. The tip is $38.61, the total is $253.11, and each person owes $42.19 — near enough $42 each with someone covering the odd cents.
The mental shortcut for next time: 10% of $214.50 is $21.45, half of that is $10.72, and together they make 15% ≈ $32. Round up for good service and you are within a couple of dollars without touching a phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the United States, 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is customary for table service, with 20% now the common default for good service. Counter service is typically 0–10%, and exceptional service 25% or more. Customs differ widely by country.
Do I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Convention is the pre-tax amount, though many people simply tip on the total for simplicity. The difference is small — on a $50 bill with 8% tax, a 20% tip differs by 80 cents.
How do I quickly calculate a 20% tip in my head?
Take 10% by moving the decimal point one place left, then double it. For a $64 bill: 10% is $6.40, doubled is $12.80.
How does splitting the bill work with a tip?
Add the tip to the bill first, then divide the total by the number of people. This calculator shows both the total per person and the tip portion per person.
Cite This Calculator
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The CalculatorsGuide Editorial Team. (2026). Tip Calculator. CalculatorsGuide. Retrieved from https://www.calculatorsguide.com/everyday/tip-calculator/