To calculate a tip, multiply the bill by the tip percentage: an 18% tip on an $84.50 bill is $15.21. To split it, add the tip to the bill and divide by the number of people, so four diners each pay $24.93.
Our free tip calculator does both steps at once and shows each person's share. This guide covers the formula, fast mental math for the table, how tipping customs differ around the world, and how to split a bill without arguments.
How to calculate a tip
Three formulas cover every tipping situation:
Tip = Bill × (Tip % ÷ 100)
Total = Bill + Tip
Per person = Total ÷ Number of peopleWorked example: $84.50 bill, 18% tip, four people
- Tip: 84.50 × 0.18 = $15.21.
- Total: 84.50 + 15.21 = $99.71.
- Per person: 99.71 ÷ 4 = 24.9275, which rounds to $24.93.
- Tip per person: 15.21 ÷ 4 = $3.80.
Rounding means four shares of $24.93 add up to $99.72, one cent over the total. When splitting, rounding each share up slightly is easier than chasing pennies.
Tip amounts on a $60 bill
| Tip rate | Tip | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $6.00 | $66.00 |
| 15% | $9.00 | $69.00 |
| 18% | $10.80 | $70.80 |
| 20% | $12.00 | $72.00 |
| 25% | $15.00 | $75.00 |
How to work out a tip in your head
Everything starts from 10%, which you get by moving the decimal point one place to the left.
- 10%: $60.00 becomes $6.00.
- 20%: double the 10% figure. $6.00 × 2 = $12.00.
- 15%: take 10% and add half of it. $6.00 + $3.00 = $9.00.
- 25%: divide the bill by 4. $60 ÷ 4 = $15.00.
- 18%: start from 20% and subtract 2% (one fifth of the 10% figure). $12.00 − $1.20 = $10.80.
How much to tip in different countries
Tipping customs vary widely by country, type of venue and even city, and they change over time. The table below describes general practice at sit-down restaurants. Treat it as a starting point and check local guidance when you travel.
| Region | General restaurant practice |
|---|---|
| United States | Tipping is expected; 15% to 20% of the bill is common, and many people tip more for excellent service. |
| Canada | Similar to the US, typically 15% to 20%. |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | Some restaurants add a discretionary service charge; where they do not, around 10% to 12.5% is common. |
| Much of continental Europe | Service is often included in prices; rounding up or leaving a small extra amount is common. |
| Australia and New Zealand | Not expected, though leaving around 10% for good service is appreciated. |
| Japan | Tipping is generally not expected. |
Should you tip before or after tax?
Many etiquette guides suggest tipping on the pre-tax subtotal, since tax is not part of the service. Tipping on the after-tax total is simpler and also common. The difference is small: 20% on an $80 subtotal is $16.00, while 20% on the same bill with 8% tax added is $17.28. To separate tax from a total, use the sales tax calculator with its "Price includes tax" switch.
If you used a coupon or a discount, many people tip on the original price, because the service was the same. The discount calculator shows both the original and the discounted figure.
How to use the tip calculator
- Open the tip calculator.
- Enter the Bill Amount. It works in any currency.
- Set the Tip Percentage with the slider (0% to 100%) or tap a preset: 10%, 15%, 18%, 20% or 25%.
- Enter the Number of People sharing the bill.
- Read the results: Total per person with the tip per person underneath, plus the overall Tip amount and Total bill. Everything is rounded to the cent and updates instantly.
Tips for splitting a bill fairly
- Check for a service charge first. Some restaurants add one automatically, especially for large groups. If it is already on the bill, you do not need to tip again on top.
- Split unequal orders separately. The calculator splits evenly. If orders differ a lot, run each person's subtotal with the number of people set to 1.
- Agree on the percentage before the bill arrives. It avoids awkward negotiation at the end of the meal.
- Check a tip you already left. The "X is what % of Y" mode of the percentage calculator turns a tip amount back into a percentage. Our guide on how to calculate percentages explains the method.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the United States and Canada, 15% to 20% of the bill is the common range for sit-down restaurants. In many other countries service is included or tipping is optional, so the right amount depends on where you are.
How do you calculate a 20% tip?
Move the decimal point one place left to get 10%, then double it. On a $45 bill, 10% is $4.50, so a 20% tip is $9.00.
Should you tip on the total before or after tax?
Many etiquette guides recommend tipping on the pre-tax amount, but tipping on the total is also common. On most bills the difference is less than a couple of dollars.
How do you split a bill with a tip?
Add the tip to the bill, then divide the total by the number of people. An $84.50 bill with an 18% tip comes to $99.71, or $24.93 each for four people.
Is a service charge the same as a tip?
A service charge is a fee the venue adds to the bill, often for large groups or as standard policy in some countries. If a service charge is included, an additional tip is usually optional.