How Much Should You Tip?
Tipping norms vary widely by country and service type, but in the United States, the standard restaurant tip is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill. Here's a quick reference:
- 10–12%: Below-average service
- 15–18%: Standard, good service
- 20%: Excellent service (the new American standard)
- 25%+: Outstanding service or large group
Tipping Other Services
- Food delivery: $3–5 minimum, or 15–20% on larger orders
- Taxi / rideshare: 10–20%, plus an extra dollar for help with luggage
- Hairdresser / barber: 15–20%
- Bartender: $1–2 per drink, or 18–20% on a tab
- Hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per night, left daily
The Tip Calculation Formula
Tip = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100)
To split, divide the total (bill + tip) by the number of people.
Should You Tip on the Pre-Tax or Post-Tax Total?
This is one of the most-debated etiquette questions in the US. The traditional rule is to tip on the pre-tax bill, since servers shouldn't be rewarded for taxes that go to the government. However, many people now tip on the post-tax total because it's simpler and more generous. Either is acceptable; this calculator works on whichever number you enter as your "Bill."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I split a bill unevenly?
For uneven splits (e.g. someone only had a salad), have everyone pay for their own items, then add a proportional share of the tip and tax. Or use this calculator to find the per-person average and adjust manually.
Is tipping expected outside the United States?
Tipping culture varies dramatically. In Japan, tipping can be seen as rude. In most of Europe, service is often included; an extra 5–10% is generous. In Latin America, 10% is standard.