How to calculate and split a tip
A tip is just a percentage of the bill. Write the tip rate as a decimal — 18% becomes 0.18 — and multiply it by the bill to get the tip amount. Add that to the bill for the grand total, then divide by the number of people to get each person's share.
Worked example: a $50 bill with an 18% tip and 4 people.
Tip = $50 × 0.18 = $9.00. Total = $50 + $9 = $59.00. Per person = $59 ÷ 4 = $14.75 (each covering $2.25 of the tip).
Tip = $50 × 0.18 = $9.00. Total = $50 + $9 = $59.00. Per person = $59 ÷ 4 = $14.75 (each covering $2.25 of the tip).
In the United States, 15–20% is the usual range at sit-down restaurants, with 18% a sensible default. Counter service, takeout and quick coffee are optional. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the strict convention, but tipping on the post-tax total is common and the difference is small.
Typical tipping by country
Tipping customs vary a lot between countries. This table is a quick, informational guide — local norms and your own experience always come first.
| Country / region | Customary tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 15–20% | Expected at sit-down restaurants; 18% a common default. |
| Canada | 15–20% | Similar to the US for table service. |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% | Often already included as a service charge. |
| Most of Europe | Round up / 5–10% | Rounding up the bill is common; large tips are not expected. |
| Japan | No tipping | Tipping is not customary and can be considered impolite. |
Frequently asked questions
- How much should I tip?
- In the US, 15–20% of the bill is customary at sit-down restaurants, with 18% a common default and 20%+ for great service. Counter service, takeout and quick coffee runs are optional and usually lower.
- How do I calculate a tip?
- Multiply the bill by the tip rate written as a decimal. For example, 18% on a $50 bill is 50 × 0.18 = $9, making the total $59. To go the other way, divide the tip rate by 100 first.
- How do I split a bill with tip?
- Add the tip to the bill to get the grand total, then divide that total by the number of people. This calculator does both at once and also shows each person's share of the tip.
- Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
- Either is fine. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the strict convention, but many people tip on the post-tax total for simplicity. The difference is usually small, so enter whichever bill figure you prefer.
- How much do you tip for delivery, a haircut or a taxi?
- In the US, food delivery is commonly 10–20% (often a $3–5 minimum), hairstylists and barbers around 15–20%, and taxis or rideshares roughly 10–15% or rounding up the fare.
- Do you tip in other countries?
- Customs vary widely. The US relies heavily on tips, much of Europe rounds up or adds 5–10%, the UK often includes a service charge, and in Japan tipping is not expected and can even be unwelcome.