Free Tip Calculator - Calculate Tips & Split Bills
Calculate tips instantly, split bills among friends, and learn proper tipping etiquette. Simple, fast, and mobile-friendly.
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How to Use the Tip Calculator
Our free tip calculator helps you quickly calculate gratuity, split bills among friends, and ensure fair tipping for excellent service. Whether you're dining at a restaurant, ordering delivery, or using any service where tipping is customary, this tool makes the math simple and accurate.
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 1. Enter the Bill Amount - Type in the total bill amount before tip (the subtotal from your receipt). This is the base amount before any gratuity.
- 2. Select Tip Percentage - Click one of the preset buttons (10%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 25%) based on service quality, or enter a custom percentage in the input field below for any other amount.
- 3. Add Number of People - Enter how many people are sharing the bill. The calculator automatically divides the total (including tip) among all guests.
- 4. View Results Instantly - The calculator updates in real-time showing your tip amount, final total, per-person cost, and tip per person. Click the 📋 button to copy any amount to your clipboard.
🌟 Common Use Cases:
🍽️ Restaurant Dining
Your dinner bill is $85.50 for 4 people. You want to leave an 18% tip for good service.
Result: $15.39 tip, $100.89 total, $25.22 per person
🚗 Food Delivery
Your food delivery costs $32.00. It's raining, so you want to tip 20% for the extra effort.
Result: $6.40 tip, $38.40 total
✂️ Hair Salon Services
Your haircut and style costs $65.00. You're happy with the results and want to tip 20%.
Result: $13.00 tip, $78.00 total
🚕 Taxi/Rideshare
Your Uber ride to the airport costs $42.50. You want to tip 15% for friendly service.
Result: $6.38 tip, $48.88 total
🏨 Hotel Room Service
Your room service breakfast is $28.00. You want to tip 18% for the convenience.
Result: $5.04 tip, $33.04 total
👥 Group Bill Split
Your party of 6 has a $156.00 bill. Everyone wants to split evenly with a 20% tip.
Result: $31.20 tip, $187.20 total, $31.20 per person
💡 Pro Tips:
- Results update automatically as you type - no "Calculate" button needed
- Use service quality buttons to quickly adjust tip based on your experience
- Click "Advanced Options" to add tax and choose tip calculation method
- Copy any result to clipboard with the 📋 button
- All calculations happen in your browser - completely private
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Standard tipping in the US is 15-25% depending on service
- 18-20% is most common for good restaurant service
- Check if gratuity is already included on your bill
- Works offline after initial page load
- Compatible with all modern browsers and mobile devices
Tip Calculation Formula
Understanding how tips are calculated helps you verify amounts and calculate tips mentally. Here's the basic formula:
Tip Amount = Bill Amount × (Tip Percentage ÷ 100)
Example 1: Basic Tip Calculation
- Bill Amount: $50.00
- Tip Percentage: 18%
- Calculation: $50.00 × (18 ÷ 100) = $50.00 × 0.18 = $9.00
- Result: $9.00 tip
Example 2: With Tax
- Bill Amount: $50.00
- Tax: $4.00
- Subtotal (Bill + Tax): $54.00
- Tip (18% on subtotal): $54.00 × 0.18 = $9.72
- Total: $50.00 + $4.00 + $9.72 = $63.72
Example 3: Splitting the Bill
- Total (including tip): $63.72
- Number of People: 4
- Per Person: $63.72 ÷ 4 = $15.93
- Each person pays: $15.93
Quick Mental Math Trick: To calculate 20% tip quickly, move the decimal point one place left (10%) and double it. For $50: 10% = $5, so 20% = $10.
Tip Percentage Guide
Choosing the right tip percentage depends on the service quality and type of establishment. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you tip appropriately:
😞 Poor Service (0-10%)
Reserved for truly unsatisfactory service where problems were not addressed. Consider speaking with management before leaving a very low tip. Even for poor service, 10% shows you didn't forget to tip.
😐 Acceptable Service (15%)
The baseline for adequate restaurant service. Use this when service meets basic expectations but nothing stands out. This used to be the standard, but has shifted towards 18% in recent years.
😊 Good Service (18-20%) - Recommended
The current standard for good restaurant service. Use 18% for solid service and 20% when service is attentive and professional. This is the most common tip range in 2024-2025.
😄 Excellent Service (22-25%)
For exceptional service that goes above and beyond. When servers anticipate needs, handle special requests gracefully, or make your dining experience memorable, show appreciation with a higher tip.
🌟 Outstanding Service (25%+)
For service that truly exceeds expectations. Consider tipping 25% or more for special occasions, exceptional accommodations, or when you want to show significant appreciation.
Factors That Affect Tip Percentage:
- Service Attentiveness: Was the server available when needed without being intrusive?
- Order Accuracy: Did your food arrive as ordered and at the right temperature?
- Special Accommodations: Did the server handle dietary restrictions or special requests well?
- Timing: Were courses paced appropriately? Long waits might not be the server's fault.
- Friendliness: A genuine smile and pleasant demeanor enhance the experience.
- Problem Resolution: How were mistakes or issues handled?
Note: In the United States, servers often earn below minimum wage and rely heavily on tips. Even if service is imperfect, remember that factors outside the server's control (kitchen delays, management issues) may be responsible.
Tipping Culture in the United States
Understanding American tipping culture is essential for dining out and using services in the US. Here's everything you need to know:
Why Tipping is Expected in the US
Unlike many countries, the United States has a unique wage structure for service workers. Many servers, bartenders, and other tipped employees earn a "tipped minimum wage" that can be as low as $2.13 per hour (federal minimum), significantly below the standard minimum wage. Employers can pay this lower rate because tips are expected to bring total earnings up to at least the standard minimum wage.
This system means that tips aren't just a bonus for good service—they're a critical part of service workers' income. While this system is debated, it remains the standard across most of the United States, and servers depend on tips to earn a living wage.
Historical Context
Tipping in America became widespread after Prohibition in the 1920s, when restaurant owners struggled to stay profitable. The practice became codified in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which allowed employers to count tips toward minimum wage requirements. Over decades, tipping percentages have gradually increased: 10% was standard in the 1950s, 15% became common by the 1980s, and 18-20% is now expected for good service.
When to Tip
Tipping is expected in the following situations:
Always Tip:
- Sit-down restaurant servers (15-25%)
- Bartenders ($1-2 per drink or 15-20%)
- Food delivery drivers (15-20%, minimum $3-5)
- Hair stylists and barbers (15-20%)
- Taxi and rideshare drivers (10-20%)
- Hotel housekeeping ($2-5 per night)
- Valets ($2-5 per service)
Optional/Situational:
- Coffee shops (tip jar: $0.50-1)
- Fast-casual restaurants (0-10%)
- Takeout orders (0-10% if packaged well)
- Furniture delivery (varies)
- Mechanics (generally not expected)
Regional Differences
While tipping culture is consistent across the US, some regional variations exist:
- Major Cities (NYC, SF, LA): Higher tipping percentages (20-25%) are more common due to higher cost of living.
- Rural Areas: 15-18% may still be acceptable, though 20% is becoming more standard everywhere.
- Tourist Areas: Gratuity may be automatically added to bills for groups, especially in resort areas.
- Fine Dining: Expect to tip 20-25% regardless of location, with additional tips for sommeliers and coat check.
Automatic Gratuity
Many restaurants automatically add gratuity (usually 18-20%) to bills for:
- Parties of 6 or more people
- Dining during special events or holidays
- Some tourist-heavy areas
Important: Always check your bill carefully. If gratuity is already included (look for "gratuity," "service charge," or "tip" on the receipt), you don't need to add another tip unless service was exceptional.
Tip Before or After Tax?
This is a common question with no universal answer. Both approaches are acceptable:
- After Tax (More Common): Many people tip on the total including tax since that's the final amount presented on the bill. This is simpler and slightly more generous.
- Before Tax: Some argue that since tax isn't part of the service, tips should be calculated on the pre-tax amount. This is particularly common in areas with high sales tax.
Recommendation: Either method is acceptable. If you're unsure, tipping on the total (after tax) is easier and ensures generous compensation for good service.
For International Visitors: If you're visiting from a country where tipping isn't customary, please remember that in the US, tips are not optional extras—they're a crucial part of service workers' income. When in doubt, tip 18-20% for table service.
Tipping Guide by Service Type
Different services have different tipping norms. Here's a detailed guide for various service types:
🍽️ Restaurants & Dining
Sit-down restaurants: 15-25% of pre-tax bill (18-20% is standard)
Fine dining: 20-25% of pre-tax bill, plus $5-10 for sommelier
Buffets: 10-15% (less service, but still present)
Fast-casual (counter service): 0-10% optional tip jar
Coffee shops: $0.50-$1 per drink in tip jar
Takeout: 0-10% (10% if order is complex or large)
🍺 Bars & Nightlife
Bartenders (per drink): $1-2 for beer/wine, $2-3 for cocktails
Open bar or tab: 15-20% of total tab
Bottle service: 20% of bottle price
Coat check: $1-2 per item
Club/bar back: Optional $1-2 if they help you significantly
🚗 Delivery & Transportation
Food delivery: 15-20% of order total, minimum $3-5
Bad weather/far distance: Add $2-5 extra
Grocery delivery: 15-20% or $5-10 for large orders
Taxi drivers: 15-20% of fare
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): 10-20% of fare
Airport shuttle: $2-3 per person or $5-10 per group
✂️ Personal Care Services
Hair stylist/barber: 15-20% of service cost
Hair colorist: 15-20% (separate from stylist)
Hair washer/assistant: $2-5
Nail technicians: 15-20% of service cost
Massage therapists: 15-20% of service cost
Spa services: 15-20% (check if gratuity is included)
Aestheticians: 15-20% of service cost
🏨 Hotels & Accommodations
Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night (left daily, not at checkout)
Concierge: $5-20 depending on service complexity
Room service: 15-20% (check if gratuity is added)
Bellhop/porter: $1-2 per bag, $5 minimum
Doorman (hailing taxi): $1-3
Valet parking: $2-5 when car is returned
🎯 Special Situations
Tour guides: $5-20 per person depending on tour length
Furniture delivery: $10-20 per person (optional but appreciated)
Tattoo artists: 15-20% of tattoo cost
Dog groomers: 10-20% of grooming cost
Car wash (hand wash): $2-5
Flower delivery: $2-5 per delivery
💡 General Tipping Tips:
- Always tip in cash when possible - it ensures the worker receives it directly
- If service was poor due to factors beyond the worker's control, don't penalize them
- During holidays or busy periods, consider tipping extra to show appreciation
- If you're a regular customer, slightly higher tips build good relationships
- When in doubt, 20% is a safe, generous tip for most services
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate a tip?
To calculate a tip, multiply your bill amount by the tip percentage (as a decimal). For example, a $50 bill with an 18% tip: $50 × 0.18 = $9.00 tip. Add this to your bill for the total: $50 + $9 = $59 total.
What is a good tip percentage?
In the United States, 15-20% is the standard tip range for table service at restaurants. 15% is acceptable for average service, 18% for good service, and 20% or more for excellent service. For exceptional service, consider tipping 25%.
Should I tip before or after tax?
This depends on local customs and personal preference. Many people calculate tips after tax since the tax is part of the bill presented. However, some prefer to calculate tip before tax since tax isn't part of the service cost. Both methods are acceptable.
How much should I tip on a $50 bill?
For a $50 bill: 15% tip = $7.50 (total $57.50), 18% tip = $9.00 (total $59.00), 20% tip = $10.00 (total $60.00), 25% tip = $12.50 (total $62.50). Choose based on service quality.
Is 20% a generous tip?
A 20% tip is considered a good, generous tip for excellent service in the United States. It's above the standard 15-18% and shows appreciation for great service. For truly exceptional service, some diners tip 22-25%.
How do I split a bill with tip?
To split a bill with tip: 1) Calculate the tip amount, 2) Add tip to the bill total, 3) Divide the total by the number of people. For example, $100 bill + $20 tip (20%) = $120 total ÷ 4 people = $30 per person.
Do I tip on takeout or delivery?
For takeout, a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated but not mandatory. For delivery, 15-20% is standard, with a minimum of $3-5. Consider tipping more for bad weather, large orders, or long distances.
How do I calculate tip quickly in my head?
Quick tip calculation: For 20%, move the decimal one place left (10%) and double it. For 15%, calculate 10% (move decimal left), add half of that. For 18%, calculate 10% + half of 10% + 2% more. For $50: 10% = $5, so 20% = $10.