How this works

The calculator applies the tip percentage you choose to the bill amount, then divides the combined total evenly across the number of people splitting it. The math is straightforward — but tipping norms are anything but, and they vary significantly by country, service type, and context.

Tipping norms by context

Sit-down restaurants (US)

15% is considered the floor for acceptable service; 18–20% is the standard for good service; 22–25%+ is typical for exceptional service or when the server has gone out of their way.

Takeout and counter service

Tipping is optional and less expected, though 10–15% is appreciated where staff prepare custom orders or the service goes beyond a simple handoff.

Food delivery

15–20% is typical, with many people leaning toward higher amounts given the physical effort involved. Some platforms suggest amounts but do not enforce them.

Bars and coffee shops

$1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total is common at bars; coffee shop tipping is more variable and discretionary.

International travel

Tipping expectations vary dramatically by country. Japan and much of East Asia consider tipping unnecessary or even rude. In Europe, rounding up the bill is common; the 20% US standard is not expected. Australia includes service workers' wages in menu prices. Always check local norms before dining abroad.

Before vs. after tax

There's no universal rule, but two approaches are common: tipping on the pre-tax subtotal (calculating the tip on the food and drink alone, which is the technical basis for the tip percentage) vs. tipping on the full total including tax (which is simpler and slightly more). In practice the difference on a typical restaurant bill is small — a 20% tip on a $60 pre-tax bill is $12.00; on a $65 post-tax total it's $13.00.

Frequently asked

Should the tip be calculated before or after tax?

This tool applies the tip to whatever bill amount you enter — put in the pre-tax subtotal to tip on food only, or the full total (including tax) if you'd rather keep it simple. Most people use the post-tax total in practice.

What if people ordered very different amounts?

An even split works well when orders are similar in value. For very uneven bills, the fairest approach is to calculate each person's proportional share of the subtotal first, then apply the agreed tip percentage to their share individually — or simply round to a number everyone can live with and call it done.

Is it rude to tip less than 20% in the US?

Anything below 15% for standard table service is generally perceived as a comment on the service. 18–20% is the mainstream baseline. That said, tipping practices are entirely discretionary — the percentage that fits your budget and reflects the service you received is the right one.

What's the standard for a large group?

Many restaurants automatically add an 18–20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more — check your bill before tipping again. If it's not automatic, the same 18–20% standard applies; large-group service is logistically demanding for the server.