Tip Calculator
Tipping shouldn't require mental math after a long meal. Enter the bill, pick a tip percentage, and — if the table is splitting it — the number of people. You get the tip, the total, and exactly what each person owes. There's also a round-the-tip-to-a-dollar shortcut for when you just want to hand over a clean number.
Enter the Bill
How to Calculate a Tip on a Restaurant Bill (Step by Step)
- Find the bill. Use the pre-tip total. Tip on the subtotal (before tax) if you prefer to exclude tax; tip on the full amount if that is your habit.
- Turn the percent into a decimal. 20% becomes 0.20, 18% becomes 0.18, 15% becomes 0.15.
- Multiply. Bill × decimal = tip. On $84.50 at 18%: 84.50 × 0.18 = $15.21.
- Add for the total. $84.50 + $15.21 = $99.71.
- Split if needed. Divide the total by the number of people after adding the tip, so the server is paid in full.
The Tip Formula
The tip is simply the bill times the rate:
Tip = Bill × (Tip% ÷ 100) | Total = Bill + Tip | Per Person = Total ÷ People
A tip is just a percentage problem — the same math behind percentage calculations and sales tax. The only wrinkle at a table is the split: always add the tip to the bill first, then divide, so nobody underpays the server.
Tipping Norms by Situation
U.S. norms vary by setting. Use this as a starting point, then adjust for service and local custom.
How much to tip (U.S. guidance)
| Situation setting | TypicalBest low–high | Note caveat |
|---|
These are social norms, not rules. Always check whether a gratuity is already included before tipping again.
Should You Tip on Pre-Tax or Post-Tax?
Both are acceptable. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is slightly lower and is what many servers expect; tipping on the post-tax total is simpler since that is the number on the receipt. The gap on one meal is a few cents, but on a large catered bill it adds up. This calculator uses whatever amount you enter — type the subtotal if you want to exclude tax.
Splitting the Bill Fairly
The fairest split adds the tip to the total first, then divides evenly. If the group wants to split by what each person ordered, calculate each person's subtotal, apply the same tip rate to each, and sum — that way a $40 entrée and a $12 salad do not pay the same tip. The per-person field here handles the even split; for itemized splits, run the tip rate on each subtotal separately.
Worked Example: An $84.50 Dinner for Four
Four friends finish a meal costing $84.50 and agree on an 18% tip. The tip is 84.50 × 0.18 = $15.21, for a total of $99.71. Split four ways that's $24.93 each. Prefer a clean number? Rounding the tip to $15 makes the total $99.50 — basically the same, and easier to settle in cash.
Tip Percentages Cheat Sheet
U.S. sit-down restaurants: 15% standard, 18% good, 20%+ excellent. Coffee-shop counter service is often 10–15% or rounded up. For large parties, a 18–20% auto-gratuity is frequently added — if it's already on the receipt, don't tip again. Delivery typically runs 15–20%, and tipping on the subtotal (before promotions) is the fairest norm for drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a tip from a percentage?
Bill × (rate ÷ 100). On $84.50 at 20% that's $16.90; total $101.40. The calculator also splits it per person.
What is a normal restaurant tip?
15% standard, 18% good, 20%+ excellent in the U.S. Six-plus guests often get an auto 18–20% gratuity — check first.
Pre-tax or post-tax tip?
Either works; pre-tax is slightly lower and common. This tool uses whatever total you enter.
How do I split the tip?
Add tip to bill, then divide by people. $99.71 ÷ 4 = $24.93 each.
How much to tip for delivery?
15–20% of the subtotal is common; 20% for large or weather-affected orders. Tip on subtotal, not the promo-discounted total.