Tip Calculator
Split restaurant bills and compute tip percentages per person easily.
A tip calculator computes the gratuity owed on a restaurant bill and, when splitting a check between multiple people, divides the total evenly among the group. This bill splitter tool works for any tip percentage - 15%, 18%, 20%, or a custom amount - and shows both the tip amount and the final total per person.
Enter your total bill amount, choose a tip percentage, and set the number of people splitting the bill to calculate tip percentage owed by each person.
Worked Calculation Examples
| Scenario | Result | Calculation Step |
|---|---|---|
| $85 Bill with 20% tip split 4 ways | $25.50 / person | Total bill with tip is $102, which divides into $25.50 per person. |
Standard Tipping Guidelines in the U.S.
Restaurant tipping norms in the United States generally range from 15% for adequate service to 20% or more for excellent service, with 18-20% now the most commonly cited standard in many cities. Tipping customs vary by service type too - many people tip 10% for buffet-style service (where staff do less table service), while delivery drivers and bartenders are often tipped a smaller flat percentage or a per-drink amount rather than a percentage of a full meal.
Tipping on Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Total
Etiquette guides differ on whether to calculate the tip on the pre-tax subtotal or the post-tax total. Tipping on the pre-tax amount is technically more precise, since sales tax isn't a service the restaurant staff provided, but the dollar difference is usually small - on a $50 bill with 8% sales tax, tipping 20% on the pre-tax subtotal versus the post-tax total differs by less than a dollar. This calculator uses your entered bill amount directly, so enter the pre-tax subtotal if you want to follow that convention.
Splitting a Bill Fairly
Dividing a bill evenly by headcount is the simplest approach and works well when everyone ordered similarly. It becomes less fair when there's a wide spread in what people ordered - in those cases, some groups instead calculate each person's individual subtotal and apply the tip percentage to each share separately, rather than splitting one combined total evenly.
How to Use the Tip Calculator
- Open the Tip Calculator and enter the values requested in the input fields.
- Check the units, percentages, dates, or time periods before reading the answer.
- Review the instant result and adjust any value to compare another scenario.
- Use the formula, example, and FAQs below to understand how the tip calculator works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is standard tipping etiquette?
15% is generally considered adequate service, while 18-20% has become the more common standard for good service in most U.S. cities. Exceptional service sometimes warrants 20-25%.
Should I tip on the total before or after tax?
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically more precise since sales tax isn't part of the service, though the dollar difference is usually small. Both approaches are commonly used.
How do I split a tip fairly among a group?
The simplest method is splitting the total bill (including tip) evenly by headcount. For groups with very different order sizes, calculating each person's own subtotal and applying the tip percentage to their individual share is often considered fairer.
Is tipping different for delivery or takeout?
Yes. Many people tip a smaller percentage (or a flat amount) for takeout since less service was provided, while delivery drivers are often tipped 10-20% or a flat amount depending on distance and order size.
Do I need to tip on buffet-style service?
Many tipping guides suggest a smaller tip, often around 10%, for buffet-style dining since table service is more limited, though this varies by establishment and region.
How much should I tip for excellent service?
20% or more is a common way to recognize excellent service, though there's no fixed rule - some people tip flat additional amounts instead of increasing the percentage.
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Last updated: September 29, 2026.