Tip Calculator
Calculate gratuity and split the bill easily.
The Standard Rules of Tipping
Tipping etiquette can be confusing, especially since expectations vary wildly from country to country. In the United States, however, the service industry relies heavily on gratuity because servers are often legally paid a "tipped minimum wage" that falls significantly below the federal minimum wage.
Because their livelihood depends on it, here is the customary breakdown for sit-down restaurants:
- 15% — Historically the standard, now considered the baseline for average or mediocre service.
- 18% — The modern standard for good, attentive service.
- 20% (and up) — Reserved for excellent, prompt service that enhanced your dining experience.
- 10% — Generally only used if the service was noticeably poor or inattentive.
Should I Tip Before or After Tax?
One of the most debated topics in dining etiquette is whether to tip on the total bill, or the bill before local sales tax is applied. According to the Emily Post Institute and leading etiquette experts, a tip is meant to reflect the service provided by the staff, not a percentage of the government tax.
Therefore, you should traditionally calculate your tip based on the pre-tax subtotal. However, many modern point-of-sale systems (the tablets your server hands you) automatically calculate the suggested 18% or 20% amounts based on the post-tax total. Leaving a tip based on the post-tax amount is entirely acceptable and generous, but not strictly required.
Tipping Fast-Casual vs Delivery
| Service Type | Suggested Tip Amount | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down Restaurant | 15-20% | Server brings food, refills drinks, and monitors the table continuously throughout the meal. |
| Food Delivery (Apps) | 15-20% (Minimum $3-$5) | Drivers use their personal vehicles, pay for their own gas, and endure traffic to bring the food directly to your door. |
| Takeout / Pickup | 0% to 10% | While no table service is provided, staff still pack the order, ensure accuracy, and prepare utensils. Small gratuity is appreciated but not mandatory. |
| Coffee Shops | $1 or round up the change | Fast transaction, but baristas manually craft complex beverages. |
How Do You Calculate a Tip in Your Head?
If you don't have our calculator handy, finding a 20% tip mentally is incredibly straightforward. Use the "10% rule."
To find 10% of any number, simply move the decimal point one place to the left. For example, if your bill is $45.00, moving the decimal one spot left makes it $4.50. To find 20%, simply double that amount ($4.50 x 2 = $9.00).