How to Calculate a Tip
Quick methods, common percentages, split-bill math, and dining etiquette — plus a free calculator to check your numbers.
Quick summary
To calculate a tip, multiply the bill total by the tip percentage expressed as a decimal. For a $50 bill at 15%: $50 × 0.15 = $7.50 tip. The total becomes $57.50. Split between 2 people: $28.75 each.
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No signup needed. Enter your bill, pick a percentage, and see per-person totals instantly.
Open Tip Calculator →Common tip percentages by country
| Percentage | When to use | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5% | Poor service, included service charge | Varies |
| 10% | Basic service, large party auto-gratuity standard | US, UK, Canada |
| 12–15% | Standard casual dining | US, Canada, Australia |
| 15–18% | Good service, medium groups | US standard |
| 18–20% | Excellent service, modern standard | US, increasingly UK |
| 20–25% | Exceptional service, small bills | US |
| Service included | Check your bill — many countries add 10-15% automatically | Many European, Asian countries |
Step-by-step method
- Start with the bill total — before tax (in the US) or after (in most other countries). Check local custom.
- Choose your percentage — 15% for OK service, 18% for good, 20% for excellent.
- Move the decimal point — 10% of a $50 bill is $5.00 (move decimal one spot left). For 20%, double that: $10.00.
- Adjust up or down — 15% = 10% + half of 10%. For $50: $5.00 + $2.50 = $7.50.
- Round for cash — Round the tip to the nearest dollar or currency unit for easy payment.
Splitting the tip between multiple people
When dining with friends or colleagues, split the total bill (including tip) equally, or let each person pay their own portion. To split:
- Calculate the tip on the full bill.
- Add the tip to the bill to get the total.
- Divide the total by the number of people.
Example: $80 bill at 18% tip. Tip = $14.40. Total = $94.40. Split 4 ways: $23.60 per person.
Use the Tip Calculator to do this instantly — including rounding, custom percentages, and real-time per-person breakdowns.
Tip etiquette around the world
- United States: 15–20% is expected for sit-down service. Tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab.
- Canada: Similar to the US — 15–18% is standard.
- United Kingdom: 10–15% if service charge isn't already included (check your bill for "service charge" or "discretionary service charge").
- Australia & New Zealand: No strong tipping culture. 10% for exceptional service is generous.
- Japan & South Korea: Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude.
- Europe: Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving small change (5–10%) is appreciated but not required.
- Middle East: 10–15% service charge is common in hotels and restaurants. Additional tip is at your discretion.
- Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam): Tipping is not traditional but becoming more common in tourist areas. 5–10% is generous in nicer restaurants.
When NOT to tip
- When a service charge is already included on the bill.
- In countries where tipping is not customary (Japan, South Korea, China).
- For clearly poor or rude service (though it's often better to speak to a manager).
- At fast-food or counter-service restaurants (tip jars are optional).
Quick mental math tricks
| Desired tip | Mental shortcut |
|---|---|
| 10% | Move decimal one spot left |
| 15% | 10% + half of 10% |
| 18% | 10% + 5% + 3% (or double 10% and subtract 2%) |
| 20% | Double the 10% amount |
| 25% | Half the bill, then halve again (or 10% + 10% + 5%) |
Skip the mental math
Use our free Tip Calculator for instant, accurate results. Works with any currency, any group size.
Calculate Your Tip →Related tools
- Split Bill Calculator — Divide expenses evenly
- Discount Calculator — Figure out sale prices
- Percentage Calculator — General percentage math
- Profit Margin Calculator — For business owners