Tip Calculator
Calculating the tip at a US restaurant and splitting the bill are everyday mental-math tasks that get messy in groups. Enter the total bill in USD, pick a tip percentage (15–25%, with 18–20% as the US sit-down standard endorsed by the Emily Post Institute), and the number of people. Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), tipped employees can be paid a sub-minimum cash wage of $2.13/hr, so gratuities are a meaningful share of server income across the US.
When to use this calculator
- You're at a restaurant with friends and want to split the bill including tip.
- You're paying and want to know how much to ask each person for afterward.
- You're organizing a birthday and want a quick calculation without mental math.
- You're paying by card and the server asks about tip.
- You placed a group delivery order and want to split the final cost.
Example: Dinner for 4 people, $120 bill with 18% tip
- Total bill: $120.
- 18% tip:
120 × 0.18= $21.60. - Total with tip:
120 + 21.60= $141.60. - Number of people: 4.
- Per person (with tip):
141.60 / 4= $35.40. - Per person (without tip):
120 / 4= $30.
How it works
2 min read¿Qué es una calculadora de propinas?
Una herramienta que calcula automáticamente cuánto dejar de propina (típicamente 15%-20% en EE.UU.) y divide el total de la cuenta entre varias personas. Útil en restaurantes, bares y salidas grupales para evitar errores matemáticos. Reduce tiempo y conflictos al pagar.
How Much to Tip in the US
In the US, tipping is customary and essentially expected in sit-down restaurants. The server's wage often depends on tips. Standard percentages:
Typical Percentages by Context
| Place / service | Suggested tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18–20% of bill |
| Delivery | 10–15% or $3–$5 minimum |
| Taxi / rideshare | 15–20% |
| Hairdresser / barber | 15–20% |
| Hotel (bellhop) | $2–$5 per bag |
| Hotel (housekeeping) | $2–$5 per day |
| Valet | $2–$5 |
| Grocery delivery | 10–20% |
| Coffee shop / counter | $1 or 10–15% |
When NOT to Tip
How to Split the Bill
1. Equal Split
Everyone pays the same:
total / number_of_people. Fast but unfair if someone consumed significantly more.2. Itemized
Everyone pays what they ordered, with extras and proportional tip share. Fair but slow. Ideal with apps like Splitwise, Venmo split, or manual tracking.
3. Mixed (recommended)
Shared plates (appetizers, bread) split equally; individual items paid by whoever ordered them. It's the fair-practical balance that works best for most tables.
Rules for Group Outings
1. Define the method upfront: before ordering, agree how you'll split.
2. Whoever pays, leads: if one person pays the bill, everyone transfers their share + rounded tip.
3. Round up: if each person owes $14.73, charge $15 — the difference is a cushion.
4. Digital transfer: Venmo, Zelle, or cash — not awkward change.
5. Avoid 'I'll send it later': collect on the spot or same day.
Tip on Card vs. Cash
Card tip:
Cash tip:
Quick Reference: 18% Tip by Bill Size
| Bill | Tip 18% | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $20 | $3.60 | $23.60 |
| $30 | $5.40 | $35.40 |
| $50 | $9.00 | $59.00 |
| $80 | $14.40 | $94.40 |
| $100 | $18.00 | $118.00 |
| $150 | $27.00 | $177.00 |
| $200 | $36.00 | $236.00 |
Apps for Splitting Group Bills
Tipping Etiquette Internationally
Frequently asked questions
Is tipping mandatory in the US?
Not legally, but culturally expected in sit-down restaurants. Servers in the US often earn a lower hourly base wage and depend heavily on tips. Standard is 18–20%. Less than 15% signals dissatisfaction.
Does the automatic gratuity replace the tip?
Yes, if it's listed on the bill. Some restaurants add 18–20% as mandatory 'service charge' for large parties (typically 6+). If it's already there, you don't need to add more (though you can for exceptional service).
Can I tip with a credit card?
Yes, most US restaurants allow it. The bill shows a 'Tip' or 'Gratuity' line and a 'Total' line to fill in. Some servers prefer cash to skip processing fees and taxes, but card is fine and common.
How much should I tip the delivery driver?
10–15% of the order total, with a minimum of $3–$5. In bad weather or long distances, tip more. Apps like DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub suggest defaults but you can adjust.
How do we split the bill if one person ate much more than the others?
Two options: (1) Mixed: shared plates (appetizers, desserts) split equally; individual items paid by whoever ordered. (2) Item-by-item with an app (Splitwise / Venmo Split): each person pays exactly what's theirs + proportional tip share.
Can I not tip if service was bad?
Yes, it's valid. Tipping rewards good service, it's not automatic. If the server was rude, very slow, or made unresolved mistakes, you can leave 10% or less. Speak to a manager if the issue is serious.
Do I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Traditionally on the pre-tax subtotal, but many people tip on the post-tax total for simplicity. The difference is small. If you want to be precise, use the pre-tax amount.
What about tipping at buffets or self-service?
At buffets with servers bringing drinks/clearing plates: 10–15% is appropriate. Pure self-service (fast food, food trucks): no tip expected, though a $1 tip jar contribution is nice.