How the tip is calculated
Tip = bill × tip % ÷ 100
Total = bill + tip
Each person = total ÷ number of people
For a bill of 86.40 with an 18% tip: tip = 86.40 × 0.18 = 15.55 (15.552), total = 101.95. Split four ways, each person pays 25.49 (25.488 rounded).
If everyone rounds up to 26, the group pays 104.00. That is an effective tip of 17.60 on 86.40, or about 20.4%. The calculator shows this effective percentage so you know how generous the rounding makes you.
Quick tip table
| Tip | On 20 | On 50 | On 100 | On 150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | 2.00 | 5.00 | 10.00 | 15.00 |
| 15% | 3.00 | 7.50 | 15.00 | 22.50 |
| 18% | 3.60 | 9.00 | 18.00 | 27.00 |
| 20% | 4.00 | 10.00 | 20.00 | 30.00 |
| 22% | 4.40 | 11.00 | 22.00 | 33.00 |
| 25% | 5.00 | 12.50 | 25.00 | 37.50 |
Mental-maths shortcuts
- 10%: move the decimal point one place left. 10% of 64.80 is 6.48.
- 20%: double the 10% figure. 20% of 64.80 is 12.96, so roughly 13.
- 15%: 10% plus half of it. 6.48 + 3.24 = 9.72.
- 18%: 20% minus a tenth of the 20% figure. 12.96 − 1.30 ≈ 11.66.
Tip on the amount before or after tax?
Etiquette guides such as the Emily Post Institute suggest tipping on the pre-tax amount, because tax is not part of the service. The difference is small but real. On a meal of 80.00 with 8.875% sales tax (the combined rate in New York City), the bill comes to 87.10. A 20% tip on the pre-tax 80.00 is 16.00; on the after-tax 87.10 it is 17.42. Either is acceptable; enter whichever amount you prefer as the bill.
Also check the receipt for a service charge already added, which is common for large groups and in many countries. If one is included, an extra tip is usually optional.
Tipping customs differ by country
There is no global rule. As a general guide, often quoted in travel advice:
| Country or region | Restaurants (typical) |
|---|---|
| United States | 15–20% expected for table service; many diners now give 18–20% |
| Canada | 15–20%, similar to the US |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5%, often added as a discretionary service charge |
| Much of continental Europe | Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is usually included in prices |
| Australia and New Zealand | Not expected; 10% for exceptional service is appreciated |
| Japan | Not customary and may cause confusion |
Customs change and vary between cities and types of venue, so treat the table as a starting point, not a rule.
Splitting the bill fairly
An even split is simplest when everyone ordered similar items. If one person had a far more expensive meal, calculate that person's subtotal separately and add the same tip percentage to it. For example, a 142.75 bill with a 20% tip for three people comes to 171.30, or 57.10 each; rounding everyone up to 58 gives a total of 174.00, an effective tip of about 21.9%.
Common mistakes
- Tipping twice when a service charge is already on the bill.
- Applying the percentage to each person's share after rounding, which can push the total tip far above what was intended.
- Forgetting tips are often pooled or taxed: in many countries tips are taxable income for staff, which is why cash and card tips may be handled differently.
Tipping on discounted meals and card terminals
When you pay with a voucher, a gift card or a "50% off" deal, the staff still served the full meal. Etiquette guides therefore suggest tipping on the value before the discount. A meal worth 60.00 bought for 30.00 with a voucher would get a 20% tip of 12.00, not 6.00.
Card terminals often suggest tip buttons such as 18%, 20% and 25%. Check whether the percentage is applied to the amount before or after tax: many terminals use the after-tax total, which makes every option slightly higher than the same percentage on the pre-tax bill. If you prefer a different figure, choose "custom" and enter the amount from this calculator.
Tipping in a group
For large groups, many restaurants add an automatic gratuity, commonly 18% or more. Look for it on the bill before adding your own tip. When friends pay separately by card, agree on the percentage first and let each person add it to their own share; the totals then match what a single tip on the whole bill would give.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a 20% tip?
Move the decimal point one place left to get 10%, then double it. On a 64.80 bill, 10% is 6.48 and 20% is 12.96.
Should I tip on the total before or after tax?
Etiquette guides usually suggest the pre-tax amount, since tax is not part of the service. On 80.00 plus 8.875% tax, 20% is 16.00 pre-tax or 17.42 after tax.
How do I split a bill with a tip?
Add the tip to the bill first, then divide by the number of people. 86.40 plus 18% is 101.95, or 25.49 each for four people.
What is a normal tip in the US?
For table service, 15–20% is the usual range, with 18–20% common today. Many other countries expect a smaller tip or none at all.
Should I tip on the full price if I used a coupon?
Etiquette guides suggest tipping on the value before the discount, because the service was the same. A 60.00 meal paid with a 30.00 voucher would get a 12.00 tip at 20%.
Sources
- Emily Post Institute, tipping guide (tipping on the pre-tax amount, typical restaurant percentages).
- Internal Revenue Service (US), Publication 531: Reporting Tip Income.
- New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, combined sales tax rate for New York City (8.875%).
Last reviewed 6 October 2026. Results are estimates; see our disclaimer.