Guides/Tipping

How much to tip

Tipping customs vary by country. This guide focuses on common United States restaurant and service norms so you can estimate a fair tip and split the check without awkward mental math.

Typical tip percentages (US restaurants)

15% — acceptable for solid, standard service
18–20% — common default for good sit-down service
20–25%+ — excellent service, large parties, or special care

Coffee counters, takeout, and delivery often use different norms (flat dollars or lower %). When traveling abroad, check local etiquette — some countries include service charge or do not tip.

The simple formulas

Tip = bill × (tip% ÷ 100)
Total = bill + tip
Per person = total ÷ number of people (equal split)

Worked examples

Solo diner: $42.00 bill × 20% = $8.40 tip, total $50.40.
Group of three: $86.40 × 18% ≈ $15.55 tip; total ≈ $101.95; ≈ $33.98 each.
Quick 20% mental math: move the decimal once for 10%, then double it (e.g. $55 → $5.50 → $11.00).
Four people, 15%: $120 bill → tip $18 → total $138 →$34.50 each.
Uneven orders: Equal split is simplest. If one person ordered much more, tip on the whole bill first, then settle food costs separately.

Tip before or after tax?

Many people tip on the pre-tax subtotal; others tip on the final billed amount. Both happen in practice. Decide what feels fair for the situation, and stay consistent with your group. If the receipt already includes an automatic service charge, check whether an extra tip is expected.

When to use which tool

Tip Calculator — tip %, people, per-person total.
Tip without a calculator — mental shortcuts at the table.
Percentage Calculator — general % of / discounts, not bill splits.

Calculate instantly

Open the freeTip Calculatorto set tip %, people, and see tip, total, and per-person amounts. No signup; numbers stay on your device.