What is a standard tip percentage?

In the United States, 15-20% is standard for restaurant service. 15% for average service, 18% for good, and 20%+ for excellent. In many other countries, tipping is less common.

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

Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically correct, but in practice the difference is small. Tipping on the post-tax total is common and accepted.

What percentage should I tip for delivery?

For food delivery, 15-20% on the order subtotal is recommended, with a $3-5 minimum for small orders. Tip more for difficult conditions or large orders.

How do I split the bill unevenly?

Calculate the full tip first, then divide proportionally based on each person's order. Most restaurants can also split a check by item on request.

Tip Calculator — Bill Split & Tip Amount

How this tool fits your workflow

Tipping customs and the math behind percentages

Tipping norms vary widely by country and service type. In the United States, restaurant tipping is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill, a convention that has shifted upward in recent years. Understanding why and when to tip is as important as calculating the correct amount. Good service deserves reward; poor service may not.

The psychology of tipping affects restaurant economics. Tipped employees often earn below minimum wage and depend on tips for income. Delivery drivers set their own schedules but absorb gas and vehicle costs. Digital payment systems now prompt for tips at unexpected moments—coffee purchases, takeout counters—creating tipping fatigue.

Tipping conventions by service type

Tipping norms vary by service type and country. In US restaurants, 18-20% is the current norm for sit-down service. Counter service and coffee shops: 10-15%. Hair salons: 15-20%. Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night. Taxi and rideshare: 15-20%. Moving help: $20-30 per mover per day.

In many European countries, tipping is discretionary and rounding up the bill is common. In Japan, tipping is considered rude in most contexts. In Australia, tipping is appreciated but not expected. Check local customs when traveling internationally.

Splitting fairly in groups

The simplest split divides the total equally, which works when everyone ordered similar amounts. For groups with large differences, item-by-item splitting is fairer. A practical middle ground: add the tip to the bill total first, then split equally so everyone pays their share of the service.

When one person splits a restaurant bill with others, the tip must include their share. A $100 bill with 18% tip becomes $118 total; dividing by 2 people means $59 per person, not $50 + $9.

Instant splitting and privacy

This tool calculates splits in seconds without storing any data. Use it at the table while the check is still warm, split bills with roommates, or verify your portion when splitting with friends. All calculations stay private on your device.

Frequently asked questions

What is a standard tip percentage?: In the United States, 15-20% is standard for restaurant service. 15% for average service, 18% for good, and 20%+ for excellent. In many other countries, tipping is less common.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?: Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically correct, but in practice the difference is small. Tipping on the post-tax total is common and accepted.
What percentage should I tip for delivery?: For food delivery, 15-20% on the order subtotal is recommended, with a $3-5 minimum for small orders. Tip more for difficult conditions or large orders.
How do I split the bill unevenly?: Calculate the full tip first, then divide proportionally based on each person's order. Most restaurants can also split a check by item on request.