All Tools Blog Contact

Tip Calculator - Calculate Tips and Split Bills Easily

Calculate tips quickly with our free tip calculator. Determine the right gratuity for any bill, split costs among friends, and see exactly how much each person should pay.

Our Tip Calculator helps you determine the appropriate gratuity for restaurants, delivery, or other services. Calculate tips by percentage or amount, split bills among multiple people, and see exactly how much each person pays.

How This Tool Works

How the Tip Calculator Works

Our tip calculator helps you determine the appropriate gratuity amount using two calculation methods:

Percentage-Based Calculation

When you select the percentage option, the calculator:

  • Multiplies your bill amount by the tip percentage (converted to a decimal)
  • For example, a $50 bill with a 15% tip: $50 × 0.15 = $7.50 tip
  • Adds the tip to the bill amount: $50 + $7.50 = $57.50 total

Custom Amount Calculation

When you enter a specific tip amount:

  • The calculator adds your specified amount to the bill
  • It also shows you what percentage this amount represents of your bill
  • For example, a $7 tip on a $50 bill represents a 14% tip

Bill Splitting

When you split the bill among multiple people:

  • The calculator divides the bill, tip, and total amounts equally
  • This ensures everyone pays their fair share of both the bill and the tip

Rounding Up

If you choose to round up the total:

  • The calculator rounds the total amount up to the nearest dollar
  • It then recalculates the tip amount accordingly
  • For example, a $57.50 total would be rounded to $58.00, making the tip $8.00

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I tip?

Tipping customs vary by country, service type, and quality of service. In the United States, here are common tipping guidelines:

  • Restaurants: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. Tip 15% for adequate service, 18% for good service, and 20% or more for exceptional service.
  • Food Delivery: 10-15% of the total bill, with a minimum of $2-5, depending on the order size and delivery distance.
  • Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total tab.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: 15-20% of the fare.
  • Hair/Beauty Services: 15-20% of the service cost.
  • Hotel Housekeeping: $2-5 per night.

Remember that these are guidelines. You can adjust based on service quality, regional customs, and personal preferences.

Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

Traditionally, tipping etiquette suggests calculating the tip based on the pre-tax subtotal, as the tax is a government fee unrelated to the service provided. However, many people find it simpler to tip on the total bill amount (including tax).

Either approach is acceptable, though tipping on the pre-tax amount is technically more correct. For simplicity, our calculator uses the total amount you enter, which you can choose to be either pre-tax or post-tax.

If your bill clearly separates the pre-tax amount and you prefer to tip on that, simply enter the pre-tax amount in our calculator.

How do I split a bill fairly if people ordered different items?

When people order items of different values, there are several approaches to splitting the bill fairly:

  1. Pay for what you ordered: Each person calculates their own items, tax, and tip. This is the most accurate method but requires tracking individual orders.
  2. Split by percentage: Calculate what percentage of the total bill each person's order represents, and have them pay that same percentage of the tax and tip.
  3. Split the tip evenly, pay for your own food: Each person pays for their own items plus an equal share of the tip.

For more complex bill splitting (with different items per person), you might need to use a dedicated bill splitting app or calculate each person's share manually.

Our calculator is designed for even splits, which works well for shared meals or when everyone's orders are roughly the same value.

Should I tip if there's already a service charge?

When a service charge (often 15-20%) is already added to your bill:

  • Check whether the service charge is actually distributed to the service staff. In some establishments, it may not be.
  • If the service charge goes to the staff, an additional tip is generally not expected, though you can leave a small additional amount for exceptional service.
  • If you're unsure, you can politely ask the server or manager whether the service charge goes to the staff.
  • In some countries, a small cover charge or service charge may not be in lieu of a tip, so it's helpful to understand local customs.

For bills with a service charge, you can use our calculator by entering only the additional tip amount you wish to add, if any.

Tips and Best Practices

Tips for Tipping and Bill Splitting

  • Common Shortcuts for Quick Calculations:
    • For 10% tip: Move the decimal point one place to the left (e.g., $45.00 → $4.50)
    • For 15% tip: Calculate 10%, then add half of that amount (e.g., $4.50 + $2.25 = $6.75)
    • For 20% tip: Calculate 10%, then double it (e.g., $4.50 × 2 = $9.00)
    • For 18% tip: Calculate 20%, then subtract 10% of 20% (e.g., $9.00 - $0.90 = $8.10)
  • For Group Dining:
    • Collect everyone's share before the server returns for payment to avoid awkward moments
    • Consider using digital payment apps that allow for easy bill splitting and immediate transfers
    • If possible, have one person pay the entire bill using a rewards credit card, then collect everyone's share – this maximizes points/cashback
    • Always account for the tip when asking friends for their portion – a common mistake is collecting just the meal cost
    • Round up individual contributions slightly to account for any calculation discrepancies and ensure the server is not undertipped
  • International Tipping Etiquette:
    • Research tipping customs before traveling to a new country, as practices vary widely
    • In many European countries, a 5-10% tip is sufficient as service is often included in the bill
    • In Japan and some other Asian countries, tipping is not customary and may even be considered rude
    • In countries where tipping is not standard, excellent service can still be acknowledged with a small token of appreciation
    • Carry small denominations of local currency for tipping in countries where cash tips are expected
  • Good Tipping Practices:
    • For exceptional service, consider tipping above the standard rate to show appreciation
    • If dining at the same establishment regularly, consistent fair tipping often leads to better service over time
    • Remember to tip on the full amount before any discounts or coupons are applied
    • For large groups where gratuity is automatically added, check the percentage – it might be lower than you'd typically tip
    • When in doubt about tipping customs, ask locals or hotel concierge for guidance