Tip Calculator

Standard Tipping Guidelines in the United States

Tipping culture in the US is well-established, but the "right" amount varies by service type, quality, and individual circumstance. Here are broadly accepted guidelines for common situations:

• Full-service restaurants: 18–20% is the current standard for average service. 15% is acceptable but considered below standard in most regions. 25% or more signals exceptional service.
• Takeout / counter service: 10–15% is common when staff have prepared your food; a tip isn't strictly expected at pure counter service but is appreciated.
• Delivery drivers: 15–20% of the order total, with a minimum of $3–5 for smaller orders.
• Bar service: $1–2 per drink is traditional; 15–20% for table service or complex cocktails.
• Hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per night, left daily as staff rotate.
• Taxi / rideshare: 15–20% is the general expectation for good service.
• Hair stylists, spa services: 15–20% is standard.
• Food delivery apps: 15–20%; note that tips on apps often go directly to the driver, not the restaurant.

How to Calculate a Tip Without a Calculator

If you're at a restaurant without your phone, the easiest mental math trick: find 10% of the bill (simply move the decimal point one place left — $85.50 becomes $8.55), then add half of that for a 15% tip ($8.55 + $4.28 = $12.83), or double the 10% figure for a 20% tip ($8.55 × 2 = $17.10). For an 18% tip, find 10% plus 8% (close to doubling the 10% then subtracting a bit).

This tip calculator removes the mental arithmetic entirely and handles bill splitting at the same time — useful for larger groups where splitting gets complicated quickly.

How to Split a Bill Fairly

For groups of equal consumption, the simplest approach is to divide the total (including tip) by the number of people — which is exactly what this calculator does. For groups where people ordered different amounts, the fairest approach is usually to have each person calculate their share of the pre-tip bill, then have everyone tip the same percentage on their individual amount.

The calculator shows the per-person total, tip per person, and individual bill share to make splitting clear regardless of your approach.

Should You Tip Before or After Tax?

Tipping etiquette in the US traditionally suggests tipping on the pre-tax amount. However, in practice, most people tip on the total as shown — the difference is small (typically a few cents to a couple of dollars) and tipping on the full bill is perfectly acceptable and slightly more generous to the server.