Tip Calculator.

How to Calculate a Tip

Tipping conventions vary by country, industry, and service type. In the United States, tipping is expected at restaurants, bars, hair salons, taxis, hotel housekeeping, and many other services. Understanding how to calculate a tip quickly and accurately prevents both under-tipping (which is unfair to service workers) and over-tipping (which strains budgets).

The Standard Tip Formula

Tip Amount = Bill × (Tip Percentage ÷ 100)
Total = Bill + Tip Amount
Per Person = Total ÷ Number of People

For a $85 restaurant bill with an 18% tip: Tip = $85 × 0.18 = $15.30. Total = $85 + $15.30 = $100.30. Split between 4 people: $100.30 ÷ 4 = $25.08 per person.

Standard Tipping Rates by Context

• Restaurants (sit-down): 15–20% for standard service, 20–25% for excellent service
• Bars: $1–$2 per drink, or 15–20% of the tab
• Food delivery: 15–20% of the order total, with a $3–5 minimum
• Taxis and rideshare: 15–20%
• Hair salons: 15–20% of the service cost
• Hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per night
• Coffee shops and counter service: 10–15% is appreciated but not obligatory

Should You Tip on the Pre-Tax or Post-Tax Amount?

Either is acceptable. Tipping on the pre-tax amount is technically more correct — the server did not provide the sales tax as a service. However, the difference is small: on a $100 meal in a state with 8% sales tax, the difference between tipping 20% on $100 versus $108 is $1.60. Most people tip on the post-tax total for simplicity, which is the amount shown at the bottom of the bill.

How to Split a Bill Unequally

The tip calculator divides the total evenly between the specified number of people. For unequal splits — where different people ordered different amounts — calculate each person's share of the food total separately, then apply the agreed tip percentage to each person's subtotal individually. The agreed tip percentage should be consistent across the group to be fair to the service provider.