Tip Calculator
Free online tip calculator. Calculate tip amount and split the bill among any number of people. Set custom tip percentages and see each person's share instantly.
How Much Should You Tip? A Complete Guide
Tipping etiquette in the United States has evolved significantly. The standard restaurant tip has shifted from 15% to 18-20%, and with the rise of digital payment prompts, tip expectations are expanding into industries that never expected them. This guide gives you clear, up-to-date guidelines for every situation.
Tipping Guidelines by Service Type
| Service Type | Minimum | Standard | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-down Restaurant | 15% | 18-20% | 22-25% |
| Counter / Fast Casual | 0% | 10-15% | 15-18% |
| Bar (per drink) | $1/drink | $2/drink | 20% of tab |
| Food Delivery | 10% | 15-18% | 20%+ |
| Taxi / Rideshare | 10% | 15% | 20% |
| Hotel Housekeeping | $2/night | $3-5/night | $5-10/night |
| Haircut / Salon | 15% | 18-20% | 20-25% |
| Massage Therapy | 15% | 18-20% | 20-25% |
The Tip Calculation Formula
Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Tipping
The traditional guideline is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since tax isn't a service rendered by the server. However, most people find it easier to tip on the total bill. The difference on an average restaurant bill is small — on a $80 pre-tax bill with 8% tax ($6.40), the difference between tipping on pre-tax vs. post-tax at 20% is only $1.28. Do what feels comfortable.
Tipping Around the World
- United States & Canada — Tipping is expected (servers earn below minimum wage in many states). 15-20% is standard.
- UK — 10-15% is customary, but check if a service charge is already included in the bill.
- Australia & New Zealand — Tipping is optional and not expected. Staff earn a living wage.
- Japan — Tipping can be considered rude. Service excellence is expected as a matter of professional pride.
- France & Italy — A small tip (1-5€) is appreciated but not obligatory; service charges are often included.
💡 Double the Tax Trick: In many US states with ~8-10% sales tax, doubling the tax amount gives you an instant 16-20% tip estimate — no calculator needed. Works great for quick mental math at the restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 15% still an acceptable tip at restaurants?
15% was the standard for decades but is now generally considered the minimum for adequate service, not a compliment. Restaurant servers in most US states earn a tipped minimum wage of just $2.13/hour federally ($5-8/hour in many states) and rely on tips to make a living wage. Most industry professionals consider 18% the new baseline and 20% the standard.
Should I tip at coffee shops and fast casual restaurants?
The pre-filled tip prompts on iPad payment systems have created "tip creep" in counter-service settings. There's no obligation to tip for counter service (where you order and pick up your own food), but tipping $1-2 for complex drink orders at coffee shops, or 10-15% for good fast-casual counter service, is appreciated. You're never obligated to tip for basic transactions.
How should I tip on a large group bill?
Many restaurants automatically add an 18-20% gratuity for groups of 6 or more — check your bill before adding an extra tip. If gratuity is not included, the same 18-20% applies. When splitting evenly, use the per-person amount from our calculator above and have everyone pay that amount to whoever covers the bill.
Do I tip on alcohol when dining out?
Yes — alcohol should be included in the tip calculation since the server is still serving it. However, some people tip 15% on alcohol and 20% on food, particularly for expensive wine orders. At bars, the standard is $1-2 per drink for simple orders or 20% of the bar tab for more complex cocktails or attentive service.