Tip Calculator: Bill, Gratuity & Split Guide
Whether you are at a restaurant, hotel, or salon, knowing how much to tip — and how to split it fairly — takes the guesswork out of checkout. Our Tip Calculator computes the tip amount, total bill, and per-person share instantly for any party size.
Tip is calculated on the bill amount before any split.
Standard Tip Percentages
In the US, 18–20% is the current standard for sit-down restaurant service. 15% is acceptable for counter or minimal service; 25%+ is appropriate for exceptional experiences. For delivery, 15–20% of the order subtotal is typical. Hotel housekeeping is typically $2–5 per night left on the pillow.
Pre-Tax vs Post-Tax Tipping
Technically, the gratuity is calculated on the pre-tax food and beverage subtotal. However, most diners tip on the total amount shown on the bill. The difference is small — on a $100 pre-tax bill with 10% tax, tipping 20% post-tax ($22) vs pre-tax ($20) is a $2 difference. Either is acceptable.
Splitting the Bill
An even split works when everyone ordered similarly. If the group had different orders, itemized apps like Splitwise or Venmo let each person pay their exact share plus a proportional tip. Many restaurants will also split a check onto multiple cards if asked.
Quick Mental Math
No phone? Find 10% by moving the decimal one place left ($84.50 → $8.45). Double for 20% ($16.90). For 15%, take 10% and add half ($8.45 + $4.22 = $12.67). Round up to the nearest dollar or convenient number — servers appreciate it.
Practical Examples
Dinner for 4
Group restaurant meal with 20% tip.
- 1.Bill: $145.00, Tip: 20%
- 2.Tip amount: $29.00 · Total: $174.00
- 3.Per person: $43.50 · Tip per person: $7.25
Coffee run for 2
Counter order — 15% tip.
- 1.Bill: $14.60, Tip: 15%
- 2.Tip amount: $2.19 · Total: $16.79
- 3.Per person: $8.40
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the tip amount calculated?
Tip amount = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100). For a $100 bill at 18%: $100 × 0.18 = $18 tip. The total bill is then $100 + $18 = $118.
How is the per-person amount calculated?
Total per person = (Bill + Tip) ÷ Number of people. For $118 split 4 ways: $118 ÷ 4 = $29.50 per person. Tip per person = Tip amount ÷ people.
What tip percentage should I leave?
Common standards in the US: 10% for minimal service, 15% for adequate service, 18% for good service (restaurant default), 20% for great service, and 25%+ for exceptional service. Coffee/counter service: $1–2 flat or 10–15%.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Etiquette varies. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically correct, but most people tip on the total bill amount shown — the difference is small. This calculator tips on the bill amount you enter.
How do I split a bill unevenly?
This calculator splits evenly. For uneven splits, calculate the total bill, then have each person pay their share of the food plus their proportional tip. Most payment apps (Venmo, Splitwise) support itemized splits.
Is 20% tip standard now?
20% has become the new baseline expectation at sit-down restaurants in the US, up from 15% a decade ago. Inflation and the shift to tip-screen prompts at counter service have raised expectations broadly.
How do I calculate a tip without a calculator?
Quick mental math: Move the decimal left one place to get 10% of the bill. Double it for 20%. For 15%, take 10% and add half. For a $64 bill: 10% = $6.40, so 20% = $12.80 and 15% = $9.60.
Should I tip on alcohol at a restaurant?
Yes — standard practice is to tip on the full bill including alcohol. Alcohol has high margins for the restaurant but the server still carries and serves it. For expensive bottles of wine, some diners tip a flat amount rather than the full percentage.