How much should you tip?
In the United States, 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for table service, with 20% or more for excellent service. Many people tip on the pre-tax amount; enter whichever total you prefer.
A quick mental shortcut
Move the decimal one place left to get 10%, then double it for 20%. For a $64 bill, 10% is $6.40 and 20% is $12.80.
Tip amounts at a glance
| Bill | 15% tip | 18% tip | 20% tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | $3.75 | $4.50 | $5.00 |
| $50 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 |
| $75 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 |
Worked example: splitting a bill
Four friends share a dinner that comes to $186.40 and agree on a 20% tip. The tip is $186.40 × 0.20 = $37.28, making the total $223.68, or $55.92 each. If you'd rather not deal with coins, switch on rounding: each person pays $56, the total becomes $224, and the tip rises by 32 cents.
Typical tipping in the United States
- Sit-down restaurants: 15–20% of the bill, more for exceptional service
- Bars: $1–$2 per drink, or 15–20% of the tab
- Food delivery: 15–20%, with a few dollars as a sensible minimum
- Taxis and rideshares: 15–20% of the fare
- Hair salons and barbers: 15–20%
- Hotel housekeeping: a few dollars per night
Customs differ a great deal around the world. In much of Europe a service charge is already included and rounding up is enough, while in countries such as Japan tipping isn't expected at all.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the amount before or after tax?
Etiquette guides traditionally say the pre-tax amount, since the tax isn't part of the service. Many people simply tip on the total because it's easier. On a $100 meal with 8% tax, the difference at 20% is only $1.60.
What if a service charge is already on the bill?
Check the receipt, especially for large groups — many restaurants automatically add 18–20% for parties of six or more. If a gratuity or service charge is already included, an additional tip is optional.
How do I split a bill when people ordered different amounts?
Work out each person's share of the food and drink first, then apply the same tip percentage to each share. This calculator splits evenly, which works best when everyone ordered roughly the same.