How to calculate a tip
- Enter the bill amount before the tip.
- Enter the tip percent you want to leave.
- Enter how many people will share the bill.
- Tick Round the total up if you want a whole number.
- Read the tip, the total and each person's share.
What this tip calculator gives you
- The tip, the total and each share in one view.
- Optional rounding with the real tip rate shown again.
- Any group size from one person to a large table.
- The tip each person adds which is what most people ask.
- Any currency symbol for travel.
- Instant updates as you change any number.
How much should you tip?
Tip customs vary more between countries than almost any other money habit. The right number depends on where you eat.
| Country or region | Common restaurant tip |
|---|---|
| United States | 18 to 22 percent |
| Canada | 15 to 20 percent |
| United Kingdom | 10 to 12.5 percent or a service charge |
| Much of Europe | Round up or about 5 percent |
| Australia and New Zealand | Not expected |
| Japan and South Korea | Not practiced and can feel awkward |
In the United States federal law lets employers pay tipped staff a lower base wage. Tips make up the difference. So a tip there is part of the server's pay and not a small extra. Many states set their own rules on top of the federal one.
Check for a service charge first
The most common tipping mistake is paying twice. Many restaurants add a service charge or an automatic gratuity to the bill. Large groups often see one. It shows up as a line item and is easy to miss. Add a tip on top and you double it.
Read the bill before you use the tip calculator. Does it already include a service charge? Then you have already tipped.
Tip before or after tax?
In the US the menu price does not include sales tax. The register adds it. Custom says you tip on the subtotal before tax. Many people tip on the full total to keep it simple. The gap is small at normal rates. On a $100 meal with 8 percent tax it comes to about $1.60 at a 20 percent tip.
In the UK and most of Europe the menu price already includes tax. The question never comes up there.
How to split the bill fairly
- Even split: the simplest choice. It works when everyone ate about the same.
- By order: fairer when one person had three courses and another had a salad.
- Round up: avoids awkward change and quietly raises the tip a little.
The rounding option lifts the total to the next whole number. Then it works out the new tip rate. On a small bill that rate can end up much higher than you planned.
Cash or card?
A cash tip is more likely to reach your server directly. The business processes card tips. How it shares them out varies by place. Some states and cities have rules about card tips and fees. Ask the staff if you want to be sure.
A quick tip calculator example
Four friends share a $137.50 bill. They want to leave 20 percent. The tip comes to $27.50. The total is $165. Each person pays $41.25. Tick round up and the total becomes $168 with each person paying $42.
Tips beyond restaurants
- Food delivery drivers often get 15 to 20 percent or a few dollars.
- Hair stylists and barbers often get 15 to 20 percent.
- Hotel housekeeping often gets a few dollars per night.
- Coffee counter tips are optional in most places.
Tip etiquette for groups
Large groups bring extra work for staff. Many US restaurants add an automatic gratuity for parties of six or more. The menu usually says so. Check the bill before anyone adds more.
Agree on the split before the check arrives. It saves an awkward talk at the end of a nice meal. One person can pay and others can send their share by app. The tool shows each share so the math stays fair.
Who uses a tip calculator?
Diners split group bills. Travelers check local customs. Servers explain a total to guests. Office managers plan team lunches.
Your numbers stay private
The math happens in your browser. Your bill never leaves your device. Need a plain percent? Use the percentage calculator. Paid with a coupon? The discount calculator shows the real saving.