Tip calculator

How much to tip

In the US, 15–20% is customary at sit-down restaurants — 18% is a safe default, 20% or more for genuinely good service, and 15% if something fell short. Larger parties often have an 18–20% gratuity added automatically, so check the bill before adding more on top. Norms vary by service: counter pickup and takeaway usually warrant little or nothing, a few dollars or 10–15% is typical for delivery and taxis, and a couple of dollars per drink at a bar. Outside North America tipping expectations are generally lower or already built into the price, so the percentages here are US-centric.

Pre-tax or post-tax?

Strictly, tipping etiquette is based on the pre-tax subtotal, since sales tax is not a service you are rewarding. In practice many people tip on the total because it is simpler and the difference is small. This calculator applies your chosen percentage to whatever amount you enter, so type the pre-tax subtotal if you want to be precise, or the grand total if you would rather round up generously. The quick-pick buttons cover the common 15–25% range; type any custom percentage if you prefer.

Splitting and rounding

The awkward part of a group meal is dividing it fairly, and this tool does it cleanly: it shows the tip, the grand total, and the amount per person — including each person's share of the tip — without the rounding drift you get doing it in your head. The optional round-up nudges the total to a whole dollar, which makes splitting even and tends to leave a slightly larger, never smaller, tip. Everything is computed in your browser, so the bill never leaves your device.