Tipping done right: pre-tax, split, and rounded
A tip calculator should do more than multiply by 0.2. The base you tip on, how you split the check, and how you round all change what each person actually pays. This tool handles every part of that, then shows the effective tip percentage so you can see exactly what you’re leaving.
The math
tip = base × percent ÷ 100
where base is the pre-tax subtotal (bill − tax) by default, or the full bill if you prefer. The grand total is the bill plus the tip; rounding up to the next dollar pushes the extra cents into the tip, and the total is then split evenly across everyone at the table.
What makes this calculator different
- Tips on the pre-tax subtotal. You shouldn’t tip on sales tax — a detail most calculators get wrong. We default to the etiquette-correct base and let you toggle it.
- Splits the bill cleanly. Divide the total across any number of people and see the exact per-person amount and tip.
- Rounds up for easy payment. Round the total to the next whole dollar; the extra simply becomes a slightly bigger tip.
- Compares common tips. A side-by-side of 15/18/20/25% shows what each costs per person, so you can pick with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax total or the full bill?+
Etiquette is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal — the cost of the food and drink, not the sales tax the government collects. Tax has nothing to do with your server’s work, so basing the tip on it quietly inflates what you pay. On an $85 bill with $7 of tax, a 20% tip on the $78 subtotal is $15.60 rather than $17. Tipping on the full bill isn’t wrong or stingy in reverse — many people do it for simplicity — but the pre-tax base is the technically correct one, which is why this calculator defaults to it.
What is a standard tip amount by service?+
In the U.S., 18–20% is the going rate for sit-down restaurant service, with 20% now common for good service and 25% for exceptional. For counter service and coffee, 10–15% (or a round-up) is typical and optional. Bartenders are usually tipped $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab, food delivery 15–20% (with a higher floor for small orders or bad weather), and taxi or rideshare drivers around 15%. Hairdressers and barbers are commonly tipped 15–20%.
How do I split a bill unevenly?+
This calculator divides the total evenly, which is fairest when everyone ordered roughly the same. If one person had a $60 steak and another a $12 salad, an even split overcharges the lighter eater. The cleanest approach for uneven orders is to tip and tax each person’s items proportionally: apply the same tip percentage to each subtotal, then add each person’s share of tax. For a quick estimate, split evenly here and have heavier orderers chip in a few extra dollars.
Should I tip on takeout and delivery?+
For delivery, yes — 15–20% (or a $3–5 minimum on small orders) is standard, since a driver is using their own car and time. Note that a delivery fee charged by the restaurant or app usually does not go to the driver, so it is not a substitute for a tip. For takeout you pick up yourself, tipping is optional; many people leave 10% or round up, especially for large or custom orders that involve real prep work, but there’s no obligation for simply handing over a bag.
Is an automatic gratuity the same as a tip?+
Functionally yes — an automatic gratuity (often 18–20% added for large parties) is the tip, so you do not need to add another one on top unless you want to reward standout service. Legally it differs: the IRS treats auto-gratuity as a service charge / wages rather than a voluntary tip, which affects how it’s taxed and distributed. Always read the bill before adding a tip line so you don’t pay twice — a common and expensive mistake on group dinners.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Tipping norms vary by country, region, and venue, and service charges differ by establishment. It is not financial advice.