Tip Calculator
Calculate a tip at any percentage, split a bill between any number of people, and handle tax and rounding correctly.
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Tip on the pre-tax total
The convention in the United States is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total including sales tax. Tipping on the post-tax figure quietly adds a few percent, because you are tipping on money that went to the state rather than to the restaurant. On a 100 bill with 8 percent tax, tipping 20 percent post-tax costs 21.60 rather than 20. Small per meal, noticeable over a year.
What percentage is expected
Expectations are local and change over time. In the United States, 18 to 20 percent is the current norm for full table service, with 15 percent read as a signal of dissatisfaction. In much of Europe service is frequently included and a small round-up is sufficient. In Japan tipping is not customary and can cause awkwardness. Card terminals increasingly prompt at 20, 25 and 30 percent by default, which has shifted the anchor upward without any change in convention.
Splitting fairly
An even split is simplest and usually fine among friends ordering comparably. It stops being fair when one person had a starter and three drinks and another had soup. Splitting by item and then apportioning tax and tip proportionally is the accurate method, and it matters most in exactly the situation where an even split feels unfair.
Rounding
Rounding the tip up to the next whole unit is the norm and makes the total easier to settle. When splitting, rounding each person's share up by a small amount avoids the common situation where the collected total falls a little short of the bill. Rounding the total down leaves the last payer covering the gap.
Service charges
Where a service charge is already added, usually for larger groups, an additional tip is not expected. Check the bill before tipping: an automatic gratuity line plus a manual tip means paying twice, which is a frequent and expensive mistake with large parties.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Pre-tax is the convention. Tipping on the post-tax total means tipping on money that went to the state. On a 100 bill with 8 percent tax, a 20 percent post-tax tip costs 21.60 rather than 20.
What is a standard tip percentage?
In the United States 18 to 20 percent for full table service. In much of Europe service is often included and a round-up suffices. In Japan tipping is not customary. Card terminals prompting 25 and 30 percent have shifted the anchor, not the convention.
How should a bill be split when orders differ?
By item, then apportion tax and tip in proportion to each subtotal. An even split is fine when orders are comparable and unfair when they are not, which is exactly when people notice.
Should I round the tip?
Rounding up is conventional and makes settling easier. When splitting, round each share up slightly, otherwise the collected total falls short of the bill and the last person covers the gap.
Do I still tip when a service charge is added?
Generally no. An automatic gratuity, common for larger groups, already covers it. Check the bill first: adding a manual tip on top means paying twice.
Privacy & Security
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About This Tool
This tool runs entirely in your browser. No data is sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy. Simply use the interface above to get started — no registration or login required.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Results are for educational and utility purposes.
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