💵 Tip Calculator
By ToolNimba Editorial Team · Updated 2026-06-19
This tip calculator works out how much to tip and what each person owes when you split the bill. Enter the bill amount, choose a tip percentage, and set how many people are sharing. You will see the tip amount, the grand total, and the per-person share straight away, so there is no awkward maths at the table.
What is the Tip Calculator?
A tip (or gratuity) is an extra amount you add on top of a bill to reward service. It is almost always worked out as a percentage of the bill: a 18% tip on a $50 bill is $9, and the total you pay becomes $59. The percentage is the only real variable, so once you decide what rate feels right for the service, the rest is simple arithmetic.
Tipping norms vary a lot by country. In the United States, tipping is effectively expected because many service workers are paid a low base wage and rely on tips, with 15% to 20% being the usual range in a restaurant. In much of Europe a service charge is often already included, so people round up or leave a small extra amount rather than a full 15% to 20%. In countries such as Japan tipping can even be seen as rude. When you travel, it is worth checking the local custom rather than assuming the US norm.
Splitting works by adding the tip to the bill and then dividing the total by the number of people, so each person covers an equal share of both the bill and the gratuity. One point that quietly changes the number is whether you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax total. Tipping on the pre-tax amount is the traditional approach, since the tax is not part of the service. Many people simply tip on the post-tax total shown at the bottom of the receipt for convenience, which is fine, just know it nudges the tip slightly higher.
When to use it
- Splitting a restaurant bill evenly between friends without arguing over the maths.
- Deciding a fair tip for a delivery driver or taxi when you are not sure of the going rate.
- Checking what a 15%, 18%, or 20% tip actually comes to before you sign the receipt.
How to use the Tip Calculator
- Enter the bill amount (use the pre-tax or post-tax figure, whichever you prefer to tip on).
- Choose or type the tip percentage you want to leave.
- Set the number of people sharing the bill.
- Read off the tip amount, the total, and the per-person share.
Formula & method
Worked examples
A $50 bill, tipping 18%, split 2 ways.
- tip = 50 × 18 ÷ 100 = $9.00
- total = 50 + 9 = $59.00
- per person = 59 ÷ 2 = $29.50
Result: Tip $9.00, total $59.00, $29.50 each
An $80 bill, tipping 20%, split between 4 people.
- tip = 80 × 20 ÷ 100 = $16.00
- total = 80 + 16 = $96.00
- per person = 96 ÷ 4 = $24.00
Result: Tip $16.00, total $96.00, $24.00 each
Customary US tipping guide by service type
| Service | Customary tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 15% to 20% |
| Bartender | 15% to 20%, or $1 to $2 per drink |
| Taxi or rideshare | 10% to 15% |
| Food delivery | 10% to 15%, or $3 to $5 |
| Hairdresser or barber | 15% to 20% |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Tipping on the post-tax total by accident. If you mean to tip on the pre-tax amount, use that figure. Tipping on the larger post-tax total quietly raises the tip, which is fine only if it is what you intended.
- Forgetting an auto-gratuity on large groups. Many restaurants add an automatic service charge (often 18% to 20%) for groups of six or more. Adding your own tip on top means paying twice, so check the bill first.
- Rounding the split unfairly. Dividing a total like $59 between 2 gives $29.50 each. Rounding everyone down leaves the bill short, so round up or have one person cover the few extra cents.
Glossary
- Tip (gratuity)
- A voluntary extra amount added on top of a bill to reward service, usually a percentage of the total.
- Service charge
- A fee the business adds to the bill itself, sometimes in place of a tip. It may or may not reach the staff.
- Pre-tax total
- The bill amount before sales tax is added. Tipping on this figure is the traditional approach.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip?
In a US restaurant the usual range is 15% to 20% of the bill, with 18% a common middle choice for good service. For lighter services like a taxi or delivery, 10% to 15% is typical.
Is 15% a good tip?
15% is generally seen as the lower end of an acceptable restaurant tip in the US, suitable for adequate service. For good or attentive service most people leave 18% to 20%.
Do I tip on tax?
Traditionally you tip on the pre-tax bill, since tax is not part of the service. Many people tip on the post-tax total for convenience, which raises the tip slightly. Either is acceptable.
How do I split a bill with tip?
Add the tip to the bill to get the total, then divide that total by the number of people. This calculator does it for you and shows the per-person share.
What is a service charge?
A service charge is a fee the venue adds to your bill, often 18% to 20% for large groups. Unlike a tip it is not optional, and it does not always go to the staff, so check before adding more.
How much to tip for delivery?
For food delivery, 10% to 15% of the order is customary, or a flat $3 to $5 on smaller orders. Consider tipping more in bad weather or for a large or far delivery.