Tip Calculator
Work out the exact tip and total on any bill, split it between any number of people, account for tax, and round the per-person amount to a convenient dollar figure. Need to figure out what percentage was left? Use reverse mode to solve that too.
Formula
Worked example
A $60 pre-tax bill at 18% tip: tip = 60 x 0.18 = $10.80, total = $70.80, split two ways = $35.40 each. Rounded up: $36 each. Reverse: paid $71 on a $60 bill, so tip = $11, or 18.33%.
How to calculate a tip
Multiply the bill by the tip percentage divided by 100. For 18% on a $60 bill: 60 x 0.18 = $10.80 tip, and $70.80 total. A fast mental shortcut: take 10% (shift the decimal left one place), double it for 20%, or take 10% and add half again for 15%. This calculator does the exact arithmetic and splits the result between any number of people.
Should you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
The customary practice in the United States is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal. Tax goes to the government, not the server, so basing the tip on the subtotal is the fairest measure of the service received. Many people tip on the post-tax total for convenience, which is slightly more generous, and either approach is completely acceptable. Toggle "tip on pre-tax subtotal only" to see the difference.
Tipping by service type
Tipping norms in the US vary considerably by category. Sit-down restaurants expect 18-20% for good service, with 15% on the low end and 25%+ for exceptional service. Bars typically see $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab. Food delivery conventionally draws 10-15% or a flat $3-5 minimum. Taxis and rideshares fall around 15-20%. Hair salons typically see 15-20% of the service cost, and hotel housekeeping around $2-5 per night. Counter service and coffee shops see lower expectations, often $1 or rounding up. Use the service type selector to start at the right baseline for your situation.
Reverse tip: decode a receipt
Switch to reverse mode to find out what tip percentage was included in a receipt total. Enter the original pre-tax bill and the amount that was paid (bill plus tip), and the calculator tells you the percentage and the dollar tip. This is useful when reviewing a receipt after the fact, when splitting a bill where the tip was already added, or when checking that an auto-gratuity was applied correctly.
Splitting the bill and rounding up
An even split divides the grand total (including tip and optional tax) by the number of diners. The "round up to nearest dollar" option bumps each person's share to the next whole dollar, making cash payments simpler and leaving the server a little more. For unequal splits, calculate each person's share separately by entering their individual subtotal and the same tip percentage.
Typical US tipping norms by service type
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 18-22% | 15% minimum; 20%+ for excellent service |
| Bar / cocktails | 15-20% or $1-2/drink | Flat per-drink tip is common at busy bars |
| Food delivery | 10-15% (min $3-5) | Tip more for long distances or bad weather |
| Taxi / rideshare | 15-20% | Round up for short trips; 20%+ for great service |
| Hair / nail salon | 15-20% | Tip the person who does the service, not the owner |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2-5/night | Leave daily, not just at checkout |
| Coffee / counter | $1 or round up | Less expected but appreciated |
Suggested ranges for good to excellent service in the United States, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax total?
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the customary baseline. The tax portion goes to the government, not your server, so the subtotal better reflects the service you received. That said, many people simply tip on the full total for convenience, which makes you slightly more generous. Either is acceptable.
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
18% is a solid default for good sit-down service in the US. Go to 20-22% for great service, 25%+ for outstanding service, and 15% if service was merely adequate. Dropping below 15% sends a strong signal; some people prefer to speak with a manager instead.
How does the reverse tip mode work?
Enter the original pre-tax bill and the amount that was actually paid (bill plus tip). The calculator subtracts the bill from the total paid to find the tip dollar amount, then divides by the bill to express it as a percentage. Useful for decoding a receipt or verifying that an auto-gratuity was applied correctly.
What does "round up to nearest dollar" mean?
After dividing the total by the number of people, the per-person share is rounded up to the next whole dollar. For example, $35.40 becomes $36. The extra few cents benefit the server, and round dollar amounts are easy to handle with cash. The total tip is slightly higher than the percentage would imply.
How do I split a bill with a tip included?
Enter the bill, add the tip percentage, and set "split between" to the number of people. The calculator divides the full total (including tip and any tax you enter) evenly. If one person wants to pay more or less than their share, calculate their individual subtotal separately with the same tip percentage.
Is tipping expected outside the US?
Tipping customs vary widely. In much of Europe, a small round-up or 5-10% is common; a service charge is often included on the receipt. In Japan and South Korea, tipping is not customary and can even cause offence. In Canada and Australia, 10-15% is the norm. Always check the receipt for an included service charge before adding more.