How to use the Tip Calculator
Enter the bill, the tip percentage and how many people are paying. You see the tip, the total and each person’s share.
Worked example
A $64 dinner with an 18% tip adds $11.52, for a total of $75.52. Split four ways, each person pays $18.88. To tip in your head, find 10% by moving the decimal point one place, then double it for 20% or add half again for 15%.
Before or after tax?
Many people tip on the amount before tax, since tax is not part of the service. Others tip on the final total for simplicity. The difference is usually small. In some countries, a service charge is already added to the bill, so check the receipt before adding more.
Tipping in the United States
In the United States, tipping is part of how many service workers are paid. In most states, restaurant servers can legally be paid a cash wage below the standard minimum wage, with tips expected to make up the rest. That is why leaving a tip of 15 to 20% at a sit-down restaurant is the norm, and many people tip more for great service or a large group.
Tipping on the total bill
Most people work out the tip from the total amount before tax, but tipping on the total bill after tax is common and only adds a little. For takeout, coffee and counter service, tips are optional and often smaller. Outside the US, many countries include service in the price, so a small round-up is plenty.
The formula
tip = bill × tip%; total per person = (bill + tip) ÷ people
Examples
- $80 bill, 15% tip, 2 people
Tip: 12 Total: 92 Per person: 46
- $120 dinner, 20% tip, 4 people
Tip: 24 Total: 144 Per person: 36
- $45.50 lunch, 18% tip, 1 person
Tip: 8.19 Total: 53.69 Per person: 53.69
Limitations and assumptions
Splits the total evenly. Tipping customs vary a lot by country and service, so the percentage is up to you.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip?
Customs vary by country. In the US 15 to 20 percent is common at sit-down restaurants.
Should I tip on the pre-tax amount?
Many people do; some tip on the total. Enter whichever bill figure you prefer.
How do I split a bill with uneven shares?
Run the calculator for each person's own amount, or split evenly using the people field.
How do I calculate 20% in my head?
Take 10 percent by moving the decimal point, then double it.