How does the tip calculator work?
The calculator multiplies your bill by the tip percentage, then adds it back to find the total. The formula is simple: tip = bill × (tip% ÷ 100), and total = bill + tip. If you split the check, it divides the total by the number of people. Every number updates instantly as you type — nothing is sent to a server.
In the United States, the standard restaurant tip is now 18–20% of the bill. A decade ago 15% was the default; today most point-of-sale systems suggest 18%, 20%, and 25%. For a typical $60 dinner, a 20% tip is $12, for a $72 total.
How much should you tip?
Tip 18–20% at a sit-down restaurant for normal-to-good service, and 20–25% for service that stands out. Drop to around 15% for service that genuinely disappointed you, but consider speaking to a manager rather than only cutting the tip. Tip on the pre-tax amount — tax is not a service your server provided.
Service type matters. Delivery drivers are usually tipped 15–20% with a $3–5 minimum, taxi and rideshare drivers around 10–15%, and hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night. See the tables below for a fuller reference.
Should you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Tip on the pre-tax subtotal. Sales tax goes to the government, not the server, so it should not factor into the tip. On a $100 bill with 8% tax, tipping 20% pre-tax is $20; tipping on the post-tax $108 is $21.60. The difference is small, and either is acceptable — but pre-tax is the technically correct base.
How to calculate a tip by hand
- 1
Convert the tip percentage to a decimal. Divide the tip percentage by 100. A 20% tip becomes 0.20.
- 2
Multiply the bill by that decimal. Multiply your pre-tax bill by the decimal to get the tip. On a $60 bill, $60 × 0.20 = $12.
- 3
Add the tip to the bill. Add the tip back to the bill for the total. $60 + $12 = $72.
- 4
Split between people (optional). Divide the total by the number of people. $72 ÷ 4 = $18 each.
Tipping reference tables
Quick references for what to tip — by bill size, by service, and by country.
Tip amount by bill size (15%, 18%, 20%, 25%)
The tip in dollars for the most common rates, across typical restaurant bill amounts.
| Bill | 15% tip | 18% tip | 20% tip | 25% tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| $40 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| $60 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| $80 | $12.00 | $14.40 | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
Source: Socko calculation (bill × rate).
Average tip by service type (United States)
Customary U.S. tipping ranges by who you are tipping.
| Service | Customary tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant server | 18–20% | On the pre-tax total; 20% is now the common default |
| Bartender | $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% | Per drink for simple orders, percentage for a tab |
| Food delivery driver | 15–20% (min $3–5) | Higher for bad weather, large or distant orders |
| Taxi or rideshare driver | 10–15% | Round up for help with luggage |
| Hairdresser / barber | 15–20% | Tip the stylist directly when possible |
| Coffee shop barista | $1 or 10–15% | Optional; common for custom or to-go drinks |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 per night | Leave daily, since staff rotate |
| Spa / massage therapist | 15–20% | On the service price before any add-ons |
| Food truck / counter service | 0–10% | Optional; tip jar is appreciated, not expected |
| Furniture / large delivery | $5–20 flat | Per person for heavy or multi-flight deliveries |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division — Tips
Tipping customs by country
Restaurant tipping norms vary widely by country. In some places a tip is expected; in others it is already included, or can even cause offense.
| Country | Restaurant norm | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Expected | Tip 18–20%; servers are paid a tipped minimum wage |
| Canada | Expected | Tip 15–20%, similar to the U.S. |
| United Kingdom | Sometimes included | Leave 10–15% if no service charge is on the bill |
| France | Included | “Service compris” by law; round up or leave small change |
| Italy | Included | A “coperto” cover charge is common; round up for good service |
| Germany | Light | Round up or add 5–10%, handed directly to the server |
| Spain | Light | Small tips or rounding up; not strongly expected |
| Japan | Not customary | No tipping — it can be considered rude |
| China | Not customary | Tipping is generally not practiced in local restaurants |
| Australia | Not expected | Optional; ~10% for excellent service |
| Mexico | Expected | Tip 10–15%; check the bill for a service charge first |
| United Arab Emirates | Light | 10–15% if no service charge is added |
Source: Compiled from widely published international travel-etiquette guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip on a restaurant bill?
Tip 18–20% for normal-to-good service and 20–25% for excellent service. In the U.S., 20% is now the common default. Tip on the pre-tax amount.
How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly?
Take 10% by moving the decimal one place left, then double it. On a $60 bill, 10% is $6, so 20% is $12.
Should I tip on the total with tax or before tax?
Tip on the pre-tax subtotal — tax goes to the government, not your server. The gap is small, so post-tax is also acceptable.
How do I split a tip between several people?
Add the tip to the bill, then divide the total by the number of people. The calculator does this automatically — just set the number of people.
Is it rude to tip less than 15%?
In the U.S., under 15% signals dissatisfaction, since many servers earn a tipped minimum wage and rely on tips. For poor service, talk to a manager rather than only cutting the tip.
How much should I tip a food delivery driver?
Tip 15–20% with a $3–5 minimum. Tip more for bad weather, large orders, or long distances.
Do I need to tip in other countries?
It varies. Tipping is expected in the U.S. and Canada, lighter or included across much of Europe, and not customary in Japan or China. See the country table below.
What is a normal tip at a bar?
Tip $1–2 per drink for simple orders, or 15–20% on a tab.
Is the tip calculator free, and is my data saved?
Yes — it is free and runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server or stored.
This tool is for estimation and education, not financial advice. See our methodology for how these figures are calculated and sourced.