📝 How to Use the Tip Calculator
Calculate tips in seconds with our three convenient modes:
🧮 Basic Tip
- Enter your bill amount
- Select tip % (10-25%)
- View tip and total instantly
- Optional: Round up to nearest dollar
👥 Split Bill
- Enter total bill amount
- Choose tip percentage
- Enter number of people
- See what each person pays
💵 Custom Tip
- Enter bill amount
- Type exact tip amount
- Calculator shows percentage
- Perfect for specific amounts
⭐ Why Use Our Tip Calculator?
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Lightning Fast | Calculate tips in under 2 seconds - no waiting |
| 🔒 100% Private | All calculations happen in your browser - zero tracking |
| 👥 Bill Splitter | Split bills fairly between any number of people |
| 🎯 Quick Presets | One-click 10%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 25% options |
| 📱 Mobile Optimized | Works perfectly at the restaurant on your phone |
| 💰 Round Up Option | Optionally round to nearest dollar for easy payment |
| 🆓 Completely Free | No sign-up, no ads blocking results, unlimited use |
| 🔗 Shareable Links | Share your calculation with others via a simple link |
🍽️ Common Use Cases
🍕 Restaurant Dining
Calculate appropriate tips for sit-down meals. Standard tipping in the US is 15-20% for good service.
Example: $85.50 bill × 18% = $15.39 tip → $100.89 total
🚕 Rideshare & Taxis
Tip drivers 10-15% for standard service, 20% for exceptional service or bad weather.
Example: $24.00 fare × 15% = $3.60 tip → $27.60 total
☕ Coffee Shops & Cafes
Tip jars typically get $1-2 per drink or 10-15% of the order total.
Example: $12.50 order × 15% = $1.88 tip → $14.38 total
🍺 Bars & Bartenders
$1-2 per drink is standard, or 15-20% on the total tab for better service.
Example: $45.00 tab × 20% = $9.00 tip → $54.00 total
🚚 Food Delivery
Minimum $3-5, or 15-20% of order total. Increase for bad weather or long distance.
Example: $32.00 order × 18% = $5.76 tip → $37.76 total
💇 Hairstylists & Salons
15-20% tip is customary for hairstylists, colorists, and other salon services.
Example: $80.00 service × 20% = $16.00 tip → $96.00 total
👥 Group Dining
Split large bills fairly with automatic per-person calculations including tip.
Example: $240 ÷ 6 people + 18% = $47.20 each
🏨 Hotel Services
Room service: 15-20%. Housekeeping: $2-5/day. Concierge: $5-10 for special requests.
Example: $42.00 room service × 18% = $7.56 tip
📊 Tipping Guidelines by Service Quality
| Service Quality | Tip % | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 😞 Poor Service | 10-12% | Slow, inattentive, or mistakes were made |
| 😐 Acceptable | 15% | Standard minimum for adequate service |
| 🙂 Good Service | 18-20% | Friendly, attentive, professional |
| 😄 Excellent | 22-25% | Exceptional service, went above & beyond |
| 🤩 Outstanding | 25%+ | Memorable experience, special occasion handling |
💡 Note: Some restaurants add automatic gratuity (usually 18-20%) for large groups (6+ people). Check your bill to avoid double-tipping!
⚡ Quick Tip Reference Table
Use this handy table for common bill amounts and tip percentages:
| Bill Amount | 15% Tip | 18% Tip | 20% Tip | 25% Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20.00 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| $50.00 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $75.00 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $18.75 |
| $100.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $150.00 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200.00 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
💡 Pro Tips for Tipping
💡 Tip 1: Calculate on Pre-Tax Amount
Technically, you should tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total with tax. However, many people tip on the total for simplicity. The difference is usually small ($1-2 on a $100 bill).
💡 Tip 2: Double the Tax Method (Quick Math)
In areas with ~8% sales tax, doubling the tax gives you approximately 16% tip. For a $50 bill with $4 tax, double $4 = $8 tip (actually 16%). Quick and easy mental math!
💡 Tip 3: Always Carry Small Bills
Keep $1 and $5 bills for quick cash tips to delivery drivers, valets, and other services where you can't add a tip to a card. Breaking a $20 at the moment is awkward.
💡 Tip 4: When to Tip More
Increase your tip by 5-10% for: difficult orders (many modifications), bad weather, large groups, special requests, complicated cocktails, or when you're a regular at an establishment.
💡 Tip 5: Split Bills Fairly with This Calculator
When splitting bills, use our "Split Bill" mode to ensure everyone pays their fair share including tip. This prevents the awkward "who's short?" conversation and makes group dining stress-free.
💡 Tip 6: Check for Auto-Gratuity
Many restaurants automatically add 18-20% gratuity for parties of 6+. Look for "gratuity," "service charge," or "auto-grat" on your bill. If it's already included, you don't need to add more (but you can if service was excellent).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard tip percentage in the United States? ▼
The standard tip for sit-down restaurant service in the US is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. 15% is considered the baseline for acceptable service, 18-20% for good service, and 20%+ for excellent service. For other services like delivery, bars, and taxis, 10-20% is typical depending on the service quality.
Should I tip on the bill before or after tax? ▼
Traditionally, you should tip on the pre-tax amount. Sales tax goes to the government, not the restaurant or server, so etiquette says to tip based on the subtotal before tax is added. However, many people tip on the total with tax for simplicity, and the difference is usually only $1-2 on a typical bill. Both are acceptable - choose what feels right to you.
Is my bill information saved or tracked? ▼
No, absolutely not. This tip calculator runs entirely in your browser. Your bill amounts and tip calculations never leave your device. We don't collect, store, or transmit any of your data. It's completely private and even works offline once the page loads.
How do I split a bill evenly including tip? ▼
Use the "Split Bill" mode at the top of the calculator:
- Enter the total bill amount
- Select your desired tip percentage (15-20% is standard)
- Enter the number of people splitting the bill
- The calculator shows the exact amount each person should pay, including their share of the bill, tax, and tip
For example, a $120 bill with 18% tip split between 4 people = $35.40 each.
When should I tip more than 20%? ▼
Consider tipping 22-25% or more in these situations:
- Exceptional service: Server went above and beyond your expectations
- Complex orders: Many modifications, substitutions, or special requests
- Large groups: More work for the server (if gratuity isn't already included)
- Difficult conditions: Busy restaurant, understaffed, or challenging circumstances
- Using coupons/discounts: Tip on the original price, not the discounted amount
- You're a regular: Show appreciation for servers who remember you
- Special occasions: Server helped make your birthday, anniversary, or celebration special
What's the difference between a tip and a service charge? ▼
Tip: A voluntary payment you give directly to service staff. You control the amount based on service quality. Tips typically go 100% to the server (though some restaurants pool tips).
Service Charge: A mandatory fee (usually 18-20%) added by the restaurant, often for large groups. This is a restaurant policy, not a tip. It may be distributed differently than tips and might not go entirely to your server.
💡 Important: If a service charge is already on your bill, you don't need to add another tip (though you can add extra for exceptional service if you want).
How do I calculate a 15% tip in my head quickly? ▼
Quick mental math trick:
- Find 10%: Move the decimal point one place left. ($85.00 → $8.50)
- Find 5%: Divide that number by 2. ($8.50 ÷ 2 = $4.25)
- Add them: $8.50 + $4.25 = $12.75 tip
For 20%, just double the 10% amount: $85 × 10% = $8.50, doubled = $17 tip.
Or use our calculator for instant, accurate results without the mental math!
Do I need to tip on takeout or pickup orders? ▼
Tipping on takeout is optional but appreciated. Standard guidance:
- 10%: For takeout where staff packaged and checked your order
- 15-20%: For complex orders or during busy times
- $0-5: Acceptable for simple pickup orders at counter service
Remember, someone still prepared and packed your food. If you can afford to tip, even a small amount is appreciated by staff, but there's less expectation than for dine-in service.
Does this calculator work on mobile devices? ▼
Yes, perfectly! The tip calculator is fully responsive and works great on:
- 📱 iPhones and Android smartphones
- 📱 Tablets (iPad, Android tablets)
- 💻 Laptops and desktop computers
- 🌐 All modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
It's designed specifically for use at restaurants on your phone. The interface is touch-friendly, and it works offline once loaded, so you can use it anywhere without internet.