Tip Calculator FAQ
Quick, accurate answers to the tipping questions people ask most: what counts as a good tip, what a 20% tip works out to, and how to split a bill fairly. When you want an exact figure, the free tip calculator does the math and the split in seconds.
The short version: in the US, 20% of the pre-tax bill is the standard restaurant tip, 15% is the floor, and 18% sits comfortably in between. To split, add the tip first, then divide by the number of people.
Tip percentages
Is 15% a good tip?
In the United States, 15% now reads as the minimum acceptable tip for sit-down restaurant service, not a generous one. It's fine for service that was just okay, but leaving 15% often signals that something fell short. On a $50 bill, 15% is $7.50.
Is 18% a good tip?
Yes, 18% is a solid, respectable tip that sits just below the 20% standard. It's the default many restaurants preset on card machines and receipts. On a $60 bill, 18% is $10.80.
Is 20% a good tip?
Yes. In the United States, 20% is the current standard tip and what most diners now leave by default for satisfactory sit-down service. Going above 20% is a warm gesture for service that truly stood out.
What is a 20% tip on $50?
A 20% tip on $50 is $10, which makes the total $60. To get 20% of any amount quickly, take 10% (move the decimal one place left, so $5) and double it. For 15% the tip would be $7.50, and for 18% it would be $9.
How do I calculate a tip in my head?
Start with 10% by moving the decimal one place to the left: 10% of $80 is $8. Double that for 20% ($16), or add half of the 10% figure for 15% ($8 plus $4 is $12). For an exact amount and an even split, the tip calculator does it instantly.
Splitting the bill
How do I split a bill with tip?
Add the tip to the bill first, then divide the total by the number of people. Splitting before adding the tip leaves the gratuity unshared. For example, an $85 bill with a 20% tip ($17) comes to $102, which is $34 each between three people.
How do I work out the tip per person?
Multiply the bill by the tip percentage, then divide that tip by the number of people to get each person's share of the tip. On a $120 bill with a 20% tip, the tip is $24, so between four people that's $6 of tip each, or $36 per person including the meal. The tip calculator shows the tip per person and the total per person automatically.
Tipping etiquette
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax total?
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is customary and slightly cheaper, because the tax isn't part of the service. Many people tip on the final total simply because it's easier, and the difference is only the sales tax portion. Both are acceptable.
Do I need to tip if a service charge is included?
No. If a service charge or gratuity is already listed on the bill, you don't need to tip again. This is common in Europe and for large parties in the United States. Always check the itemized bill before adding a tip.
How much should I tip for food delivery?
Tip 15 to 20% of the order total, with a minimum of about $3 to $5 even on small orders. Tip more for long distances, bad weather, or large orders. The delivery fee usually goes to the app, not the driver, so it's not a substitute for a tip. See our food delivery tipping guide for the full breakdown.
How much should I tip a hairdresser?
The standard is 15 to 20% of the service price, with 20% being the norm for good service. For a $50 haircut that's $10. Tip on the full pre-discount value of the service, and tip each person who worked on you. Our hairdresser tipping guide covers who to tip and how to split it.
Does the tip calculator store my data?
No. All of the math runs in your browser, so nothing you type is uploaded, saved, or shared. There's no sign-up and no tracking of the bill amounts you enter.
Ready to work out an exact amount? Use the free tip calculator: pick your tip, split the bill, and see what each person owes in any currency.