Quick lookup
Tip and total amounts for common bills (no tax)
Quick reference for what the bill comes to with a 15%, 18%, or 20% tip. Use this when you do not want to do the math at the table — just match the row that is closest to your bill and round up.
| Bill | 15% tip | 18% tip | 20% tip | Total at 20% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $1.50 | $1.80 | $2.00 | $12.00 |
| $25 | $3.75 | $4.50 | $5.00 | $30.00 |
| $40 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $48.00 |
| $60 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $72.00 |
| $80 | $12.00 | $14.40 | $16.00 | $96.00 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $120.00 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $180.00 |
| $200 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $240.00 |
Most US sit-down restaurants expect 18-20% for standard service. 25% rewards exceptional service. Outside the US, tipping norms vary substantially — research locally.
The basics
How tip calculations work
A tip is a percentage of the bill. Multiply the bill by the percentage (as a decimal), then add it to the total: tip = bill × percent / 100 and total = bill + tax + tip. The calculator above handles the math, splits the bill between any number of people, and lets you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount.
The shortcut most people use at the table is "double the tax" — in states where sales tax is around 8-10%, doubling it gives a 16-20% tip approximation. The downside: it only works in those states. For accuracy, use the calculator or learn the 10% trick (move the decimal one place left, then add half again for 15% or double it for 20%).
By situation
How much should you tip?
Restaurants (US)
- Standard sit-down service: 18-20%
- Exceptional service: 22-25%
- Buffet or self-serve: 10-15% (someone still clears plates)
- Bartender: $1-2 per drink, or 18-20% on the tab
- Coffee shop / counter service: optional, $1 or 10-15% if you want to tip
Delivery
- Pizza or food delivery: 15-20%, minimum $3-5 for short trips
- Grocery delivery: 15-20%, more in bad weather or for large orders
- Furniture delivery: $5-20 per person depending on difficulty
Personal services
- Hair stylist or barber: 15-20%
- Massage or spa service: 15-20% on the pre-tax amount
- Nail salon: 15-20%
- Tattoo artist: 15-25% depending on the piece
Travel and hospitality
- Hotel housekeeping: $3-5 per night, left daily (cleaning crews rotate)
- Hotel bell staff: $2-5 per bag
- Concierge: $5-20 for meaningful help (restaurant reservations, tickets)
- Taxi or rideshare: 10-15%, more for short rides where the percentage feels too small
- Tour guide: 10-20% on the tour cost
Internationally
Tipping is a US-heavy phenomenon. Most of Europe rounds up or leaves 5-10%. Japan tipping is not expected and can even be considered rude. Australia and New Zealand are tip-optional, with 10% for exceptional service. Always check the local norm before traveling.
The debate
Pre-tax vs post-tax tipping
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically more accurate: you are tipping for the service, and tax goes to the government, not the server. Tipping on the post-tax total is simpler — you are looking at the receipt total anyway — but you are tipping a small amount on the tax portion.
In practice, the difference at a typical US sales tax rate (around 8%) is small. A 20% tip on $50 pre-tax is $10. A 20% tip on $54 post-tax is $10.80. The 80-cent difference goes to the server. Many people use post-tax for simplicity and consider it part of the general tipping convention.
Our calculator supports both. Pick the one that matches how you normally tip — there is no objectively right answer.
Group meals
Splitting the bill
The fairest way to split a bill depends on what people ordered.
Even split (everyone pays the same)
Total ÷ number of people. This is simplest and works well when everyone ordered roughly the same. Set the "split between" number on the calculator and you are done.
Itemised split (pay for what you ordered)
Each person sums their items, then everyone adds their proportional share of tax and tip. Best for groups where people ordered very differently (one drank water, another had three cocktails).
Rotation (one person pays each time)
Works for friends who eat out regularly. Long-term it averages out, and saves the awkward split conversation each time.
Behind the scenes
Privacy and how it runs
No data leaves your device
Common questions
What is the standard tip for a restaurant?
In the US, 18-20% on the pre-tax total is the current standard for sit-down restaurants. Twenty percent has become the default at many chains and is the easiest mental math (move decimal one place left, then double).
Should I tip on takeout?
Optional. Some people tip 10% on takeout, others nothing. Counter service tipping has become more common with point-of-sale prompts, and how you respond is a personal choice — there is no universally-accepted norm yet.
What if a service charge is already included?
Some restaurants (especially for large parties or in Europe) add a service charge automatically. If you see "service" or "gratuity" on the bill, no additional tip is required. Tipping on top is welcome but not expected.
Can I tip with a credit card?
Yes, everywhere. Servers typically get card tips the same week as part of payroll. Cash tips often arrive faster (same shift) — useful to know in countries or businesses where servers earn most of their income from tips.
How do I split a bill with different amounts per person?
Have each person sum their items. Add tax and tip proportionally (each person's tip equals their item subtotal × tip percentage). Apps like Splitwise or Tab make this faster for recurring groups.
Is tipping going away?
A small but growing number of US restaurants are moving to no-tipping models where menu prices are higher and servers earn full wages. The experiment has had mixed results — popular with servers, sometimes unpopular with diners who feel they are paying more. As of mid-2026, tipping remains the dominant US model.
Related calculators
If you're at a restaurant or planning a group expense, these tools pair naturally.
Last reviewed: · Methodology based on US building code standards, contractor pricing surveys, and manufacturer specifications.