Tip Calculator
Enter amount before tax and tip
Number of people sharing the bill
Tip Calculation Results
Split Between 1 People
Calculation: Tip = Bill Amount × (Tip % ÷ 100)
Total = Bill Amount + Tip Amount
Enter bill amount to calculate tip
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Common Tip Calculations
How the Tip Calculator Works
Tipping is a common practice in the United States and Canada, where service workers like waitstaff, bartenders, and delivery drivers rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. Knowing how much to tip can be confusing, especially when splitting bills with friends or calculating percentages in your head.
This tip calculator eliminates the guesswork. Simply enter your bill amount, select a tip percentage, and optionally split the total among multiple people. The calculator instantly shows you the tip amount, total bill, and per-person costs if splitting.
Formula: The tip calculation follows this simple formula: Tip Amount = Bill Amount × (Tip Percentage ÷ 100). The total bill including tip is: Total = Bill Amount + Tip Amount. When splitting: Per Person = Total ÷ Number of People.
Standard Tip Percentages in the US and Canada
While tipping is always discretionary, there are generally accepted standards for different levels of service:
| Service Level | Tip Percentage | When to Use | Example: $50 Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Average Service | 10-12% | Significant issues, very slow service, rude staff | $5.00 – $6.00 |
| Average Service | 15% | Standard, acceptable service | $7.50 |
| Good Service | 18% | Prompt, friendly, attentive service | $9.00 |
| Excellent Service | 20% | Outstanding service, above and beyond | $10.00 |
| Exceptional Service | 22-25%+ | Truly memorable service, special occasions | $11.00 – $12.50+ |
When to Tip Different Amounts
Restaurants and Bars: In sit-down restaurants with table service, 15-20% is standard. For bars, $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total tab. Some restaurants automatically add gratuity for large groups (usually 6+ people), so check your bill first.
Food Delivery: 15-20% of the bill, with a minimum of $3-5. Consider tipping more for bad weather, large orders, or exceptional service. Delivery apps often suggest percentages, but you can adjust based on service quality.
Takeout: 10% is appreciated but not always expected for simple takeout orders. For complex orders or special requests, 10-15% is considerate.
Other Services: Hair stylists/barbers (15-20%), taxi/ride-share (15-20%), hotel housekeeping ($2-5 per night), movers ($10-20 per person), and spa services (15-20%) all typically receive tips.
Pro Tip: Always calculate tip on the pre-tax amount, not the total including tax. Some credit card machines calculate tip based on the post-tax total, which results in a slightly higher tip. Be aware of this when paying.
Common Tip Calculation Scenarios
Scenario 1: Dinner for two with a $68.45 bill and good service. 18% tip = $12.32. Total = $80.77. Each person pays $40.39 if splitting evenly.
Scenario 2: Group of 6 friends with a $245.80 bill. Excellent service deserves 20% tip = $49.16. Total = $294.96. Each person pays $49.16 (much easier to calculate than dividing uneven amounts).
Scenario 3:
Scenario 4: Delivery order totaling $35.50. Good service in rain warrants 20% tip = $7.10. Total = $42.60. Many people round up to $45 for especially good service or difficult conditions.
Should You Tip on Tax?
This is a common question with a straightforward answer: no, you should not include tax when calculating tip percentages. Tip should be calculated on the pre-tax subtotal, which represents the actual cost of goods and services you received.
Why? Sales tax varies by location (6-10% typically) and goes to the government, not your server. Including tax in your tip calculation means you’re tipping on money that didn’t go toward your meal or service. This calculator automatically calculates tip on the bill amount you enter, excluding any tax.
Some point-of-sale systems calculate suggested tips based on the post-tax total. Be aware of this when using credit card machines that show “15%, 18%, 20%” buttons. Those percentages are often calculated on the total including tax.
Tip Etiquette Differences: US vs Canada
While tipping customs are similar between the US and Canada, there are some differences to note:
| Aspect | United States | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers | As low as $2.13/hour federal (tips expected to make up difference) | Full minimum wage ($13-16/hour depending on province) plus tips |
| Standard Restaurant Tip | 15-20% (often leaning toward 18-20%) | 15-18% (often 15% for good service) |
| Tax Inclusion | Tip calculated pre-tax | Tip calculated pre-tax (same) |
| Automatic Gratuity | Common for groups of 6+ (18-20%) | Less common, but exists for large groups |
| Takeout Tipping | 10% or $1-2 for simple orders | Less expected, rounding up common |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard tip percentage in 2024?
For restaurant table service, 15-20% remains standard. 15% for average service, 18% for good service, and 20% for excellent service. Some areas see pressure to increase to 20-25% as a new standard, but 15-20% is still widely accepted.
Should I tip on takeout orders?
For simple pick-up orders, tipping isn’t required but 10% or rounding up is appreciated. For complex orders, special requests, or during busy times, 10-15% shows appreciation for the extra effort.
How do I split a bill with different amounts per person?
This calculator assumes equal splitting. For uneven splits, calculate total tip first, then divide based on what each person ordered. Many payment apps now allow itemized splitting which handles this automatically.
Is it rude to tip less than 15%?
Tipping less than 15% generally indicates dissatisfaction with service. If service was genuinely poor, 10% communicates this while still acknowledging some effort. For truly terrible service, speak with a manager rather than just leaving a small tip.
Should I tip if there’s a service charge already added?
Check if the service charge goes to staff. If it’s a true gratuity (often called “auto-grat”), no additional tip is needed unless you want to reward exceptional service. If it’s an administrative fee, staff likely don’t receive it, so tip normally.
How do I calculate tip quickly without a calculator?
For 20%: Move decimal one place left and double it ($45.00 → $4.50 × 2 = $9.00). For 15%: Calculate 10% (move decimal left) plus half of that ($45.00 → $4.50 + $2.25 = $6.75). For 18%: Calculate 20% then subtract 10% of that amount.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Calculating tip on the total including tax. Always use the pre-tax amount for percentage calculations.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to check for automatic gratuity on large group bills. Many restaurants add 18-20% automatically for parties of 6 or more.
Mistake 3: Using post-discount amounts. Tip should generally be calculated on the original pre-discount amount, unless the discount was for poor service.
Mistake 4: Not adjusting for service quality. The percentage should reflect service received, not just be a default number every time.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to split tax when dividing bills unevenly. If people ordered different amounts, they should pay different amounts of tax too, not just different food costs.
Table of Common Tip Calculations
| Bill Amount | 15% Tip | 18% Tip | 20% Tip | Total (20%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20.00 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $24.00 |
| $35.50 | $5.33 | $6.39 | $7.10 | $42.60 |
| $50.00 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $60.00 |
| $75.25 | $11.29 | $13.55 | $15.05 | $90.30 |
| $100.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $120.00 |
Tipping During COVID-19 and Beyond
The pandemic changed tipping culture significantly. With restaurant workers facing health risks and reduced hours, many customers increased their tipping percentages. While the acute phase has passed, some changes may be permanent:
Higher baseline percentages: Many people now consider 20% the new standard for good service rather than 15-18%.
Takeout tipping increased: With more people ordering takeout during lockdowns, tipping for pick-up orders became more common and expected.
Contactless tipping: Digital tipping through apps and touchless payment systems became standard, making it easier to tip but sometimes leading to preset higher percentages.
Regardless of these trends, tipping should always reflect service quality and your personal satisfaction. Use this calculator to determine fair amounts based on current standards and your specific situation.
Remember: Tipping is about rewarding good service and supporting service workers who often rely on tips. While percentages provide guidance, the actual amount should reflect the quality of service you received and your satisfaction with the experience.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Tipping customs vary by region, establishment type, and personal preference. The percentages shown are common standards but not mandatory. Always consider service quality, local customs, and your personal budget when determining tip amounts. Check bills for automatic gratuity or service charges before adding additional tip.
Tip Calculation Results
Date:
Bill Amount:
Tip Percentage:
Tip Amount:
Total with Tip:
Number of People:
Per Person Total:
Generated by SabiCalculator Tip Calculator