Work out the tip, the total bill, and how much each person owes if you're splitting the check.
In the U.S., 15-20% is standard for full-service dining. This calculates the tip on the amount you enter - switch that to the pre-tax subtotal if you prefer to tip before tax.
This tool applies your chosen tip percentage to the bill amount, adds it to get the total, and then divides that total evenly across however many people are splitting the check. It's straightforward percentage math, applied specifically to restaurant bills and group checks.
It's the same underlying calculation as our Percentage Calculator - this version is just set up for the specific case of tipping and splitting a bill.
A $50 bill with an 18% tip works out to a $9.00 tip, for a total bill of $59.00. Split evenly four ways, that's $14.75 per person.
What's a standard tip percentage in the U.S.?
For full-service restaurants, 15-20% of the bill is the commonly cited range, with 18-20% typical for good service. Some people tip more for excellent service or less for poor service - there's no legally required amount.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Tipping etiquette generally suggests calculating the tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since sales tax isn't part of what the server actually earned for the business. In practice, many people just tip on the total printed on the receipt for simplicity - enter whichever amount you'd like to base the tip on.
How do I split the tip evenly among a group?
Enter the total bill, your tip percentage, and the number of people in your group - the calculator divides the bill plus tip evenly across everyone. If people had very different orders, an even split may not match what each person actually owes.
Is tipping mandatory?
In the U.S., tipping is a strong social norm at full-service restaurants and bars but isn't legally required. In many other countries tipping is far less common or already included as a service charge - check local customs if you're traveling.
What if the service was bad?
Many etiquette guides suggest still leaving a reduced tip (rather than nothing) for below-average service, and reserving a $0 tip for outright refusal of service, since in the U.S. many servers are paid a lower base wage that assumes tips will make up the difference.
Does this work for tipping norms outside the U.S.?
The math works anywhere, but the appropriate percentage varies a lot by country - some places include a service charge automatically, others consider tipping unusual. Adjust the tip percentage field to match local norms.
How much should I tip for takeout or counter service?
This varies widely and is more optional than sit-down dining - many people leave 0-10% or round up to the nearest dollar for takeout, versus 15-20% for table service. Set the tip percentage field to whatever feels right for the situation.
Can I calculate a specific dollar tip instead of a percentage?
This calculator is set up for percentage-based tips, but you can work backward: divide your desired tip amount by the bill and multiply by 100 to get the equivalent percentage, then enter that.