How much should I tip at a restaurant?

In the US, 15-20% is standard for sit-down restaurants. 18-20% is considered good service, 25%+ for exceptional service.

How do I calculate a tip in my head?

Find 10% by moving the decimal one place left. For 15%, add half of 10%. For 20%, double 10%.

Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

Technically, tipping on the pre-tax amount is correct, but many people tip on the total bill for simplicity.

How do I split a bill with tip?

Calculate the total bill plus tip, then divide by the number of people.

Tip Calculator

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Tipping guide

15% — Standard service, counter service, takeout

18% — Good service at sit-down restaurants

20% — Great service, the new standard in many cities

25%+ — Exceptional service, complex orders, large parties

Tipping around the world

US & Canada: 15-20% expected

UK: 10-15% at restaurants, not always expected

Europe: Rounding up or 5-10% is common

Japan: Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude

Australia: Not expected but appreciated, typically 10%

How to Calculate a Tip

Calculating a tip is straightforward: multiply the bill amount by the tip percentage as a decimal. For example, an 18% tip on a $50 bill is $50 × 0.18 = $9.00, making the total $59.00. If splitting between 3 people, each person pays $19.67.

The standard tip in the United States ranges from 15% to 20% for sit-down restaurant service. For exceptional service, 20-25% is customary. For counter service, takeout, or delivery, 10-15% is typical. Always calculate the tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total after tax.

A quick mental math trick: find 10% by moving the decimal point one place left, then adjust. For 15%, add half of 10% to 10%. For 20%, double the 10% amount. For example, 10% of $67 is $6.70, so 20% is $13.40.

When and How Much to Tip

Service	Suggested Tip	Notes
Sit-down restaurant	15-20%	Based on pre-tax bill
Excellent service	20-25%	Fine dining or exceptional experience
Buffet	10-15%	Staff still clears plates and refills drinks
Takeout / counter	0-10%	Optional but appreciated
Delivery	15-20%	$5 minimum suggested
Hair salon / barber	15-20%	Tip on total service cost
Taxi / rideshare	15-20%	More for help with luggage
Hotel housekeeping	$2-5/night	Leave daily, not just at checkout

Tipping Etiquette Around the World

Tipping customs vary dramatically by country. In the United States and Canada, tips of 15-20% are expected and servers rely on them as a significant portion of their income. In contrast, tipping is not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude — service is included in the price and considered a point of professional pride.

In the United Kingdom and most of Europe, a service charge of 10-15% is often included in the bill. If not included, rounding up or leaving 10% is appreciated but not mandatory. In Australia, tipping is not expected but a 10% tip for exceptional service is welcome.

When traveling, research local customs before dining out. What is generous in one country may be offensive in another. When in doubt, ask your hotel concierge or check a travel guide for the region.

The History of Tipping

The practice of tipping originated in European coffeehouses in the 17th century. Patrons would place coins in a box labeled "To Insure Promptitude" (T.I.P.) to receive faster service. The custom spread to America in the late 1800s when wealthy Americans adopted the practice after traveling to Europe.

Today, tipping in the US has evolved into a complex social norm. The federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13 per hour, with the expectation that tips bring total compensation to at least the standard minimum wage. This system means that tips are not truly optional — they are a critical part of service workers' income.