How much to tip and how to split the bill fairly (with a worked example)
Tipping rules are customs rather than laws, and they differ by country. In the United States, 15% to 20% of the bill is a common range for table service. Many people tip more for exceptional service and less at counters.
The formula
Tip = bill × tip % ÷ 100, then each person pays = (bill + tip) ÷ number of people.
Example: $86.40 bill, 18% tip, 4 people
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tip (86.40 × 0.18) | $15.55 |
| Total with tip | $101.95 |
| Each person pays | $25.49 |
Skip the maths, try your own numbersTip CalculatorFree, instant, no sign-up →Before or after tax?
Many people tip on the pre-tax amount. Tipping on the total including tax is also common and simply costs a little more. Pick one rule and apply it every time.
Fast mental maths
- 10%: move the decimal one place left.
- 20%: double the 10%.
- 15%: add half of the 10% to the 10%.
Splitting fairly
An even split is easiest when everyone ordered similar things. If not, split by item and share the tip in proportion. Round the per-person amount up so the tip is never short.
Check whether a service charge is already on the bill before adding a tip. Use the calculator below to split any bill in seconds.
How much to tip in different situations (United States)
| Situation | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant, good service | 18% to 20% |
| Exceptional service or large party | 20% to 25% |
| Bar | $1 to $2 a drink, or 15% to 20% of the tab |
| Food delivery | 15% to 20%, with a minimum of a few dollars |
| Taxi or rideshare | 15% to 20% |
| Hair salon or barber | 15% to 20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $3 to $5 a night |
These are social norms, not rules. Service workers in the United States often earn a lower base wage and rely on tips, which is why they are expected there.
Tip comparison on an $86.40 bill
| Tip % | Tip | Total | Each of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15% | $12.96 | $99.36 | $24.84 |
| 18% | $15.55 | $101.95 | $25.49 |
| 20% | $17.28 | $103.68 | $25.92 |
| 25% | $21.60 | $108.00 | $27.00 |
Tipping customs around the world
- United Kingdom: many restaurants add a discretionary service charge of about 10% to 12.5%. If it is included, you do not need to add more.
- Europe: service is often included. Rounding up or leaving 5% to 10% for good service is common.
- Canada: similar to the US, 15% to 20% at restaurants.
- Australia and New Zealand: tipping is appreciated but not expected.
- Japan: tipping is not customary and can cause confusion.
- India: check for a service charge on the bill. If none, 5% to 10% for good service is typical.
When you travel, check local guidance, because customs vary by region and venue.
Uneven splits: pay for what you ordered
If one person ordered much more, split by item. Add each person's items, their share of tax, and a share of the tip in proportion to their subtotal. For example, on a $90 pre-tax bill with a $20 tip, a person whose items cost $30 pays one-third of the tip, about $6.67.
Service charge, gratuity and tip: what is the difference?
A service charge is added by the restaurant and may or may not go to staff. An automatic gratuity is often added for large parties. A tip is voluntary. Always read the bill first so you do not pay twice, and ask the venue where the charge goes if you are unsure.
Tipping apps and card terminals
Card machines often suggest tip percentages calculated on the total including tax. You can choose a custom amount. A calculator helps you check the figure and decide what feels fair.
Rounding rules that keep things simple
- Round each person's share up to the next 25 cents or dollar.
- Round the tip up if service was good, down only if you have a real reason.
- Agree on the approach before the bill arrives when you eat with a group.
Troubleshooting: common problems and fixes
- The restaurant added a service charge. Check the bill. If service is included, you do not need to add the full tip on top.
- The card machine suggests different percentages. They are usually calculated on the total including tax. Choose custom if you want pre-tax.
- We cannot agree on the split. Agree on a method before the bill arrives, such as splitting by item or evenly.
- The numbers do not round neatly. Round up the per-person total so the tip is never short.
- I am travelling. Check local tipping norms before you go.
Accuracy and privacy
The calculator performs simple arithmetic and shows exact amounts. Tipping customs are social norms and vary by place and venue. Tips can be taxable income for the person who receives them, as IRS guidance explains. No bill details are stored.
More free Zyphub tools you may need
- Tip Calculator: Tip and split the bill.
- Percentage Calculator: % of, % change, increase and decrease.
- GST / VAT / Sales Tax Calculator: Add or remove tax from any price.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant in the US?
Most people tip 18% to 20% for good table service, with 15% as a minimum for acceptable service and more for outstanding service.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Both are common. Tipping on the pre-tax amount is a valid choice. Using the total including tax gives a slightly larger tip.
How do I split a bill fairly?
Split evenly when meals are similar. Otherwise split by item and share tax and tip in proportion to each person’s subtotal.
Is tipping expected outside the United States?
It depends on the country. Service is often included in Europe, appreciated but optional in Australia and not customary in Japan.
What is the quickest way to work out 18%?
Find 10% by moving the decimal, double it for 20%, then subtract a little, or use the calculator for an exact amount.
Do you tip on the total with tax?
Both are common. Tipping on the pre-tax amount is acceptable.
Is it rude not to tip in the US?
Tipping is expected for table service. Many servers rely on tips as part of their income.