Restaurant Tip Calculator
Calculating the correct tip at a restaurant should be simple, but mental arithmetic on a busy evening can be tricky, especially when splitting the bill among multiple people. This calculator takes three inputs: the bill amount (subtotal), the tip percentage, and the number of people splitting the check. It instantly shows the tip amount in dollars, the total bill including tip, each person's equal share of the total, and each person's tip contribution. It also calculates the additional tip required to round the total up to the nearest whole dollar, a convenient option for cash payments. Quick buttons for the most common tip percentages (15%, 18%, 20%, and 25%) make it easy to see different scenarios, and a custom percentage field handles any other amount. In the United States, 18% to 20% is generally considered appropriate for good table service. The per-person calculations assume equal splitting; if diners prefer to pay for their own dishes, subtract individual orders from the total and tip on each portion.
Tip: -- | Total: -- | Per person: --
Quick tip reference table
| Bill | 15% | 18% | 20% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25.00 | $3.75 | $4.50 | $5.00 | $6.25 |
| $50.00 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $75.00 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $18.75 |
| $100.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $150.00 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200.00 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
Restaurant tip: frequently asked questions
What tip percentage should I leave at a restaurant?
In the United States, 15% is considered the minimum for adequate service, 18% to 20% is standard for good service, and 20% to 25% reflects excellent service. Many restaurants now suggest 18%, 20%, and 22% or higher on their payment terminals. Tipping customs differ internationally: in some countries tipping is not customary or is considered rude; in others, service charges are included automatically.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal (before sales tax is added) is the more technically correct approach, as the server's service is on the food and drink, not the tax. However, tipping on the total including tax is equally common and more convenient. The difference on a typical bill is small. This calculator uses the amount you enter; if you prefer to tip on the pre-tax total, enter that amount as the bill.
What does round up to round number mean?
The round-up option calculates the additional tip needed to bring the total bill to the next whole dollar amount. For example, if the total with a 18% tip is $47.32, rounding up to $48.00 requires an additional $0.68. This makes paying with cash simpler and often results in a slightly higher tip percentage.
How do I split a bill with tip among multiple people?
Add the tip amount to the subtotal to get the full total, then divide by the number of people. Each person's equal share includes a proportional share of both the food and the tip. If people ordered items of very different prices, you may prefer to split the tip equally while each person pays for their own items. Use the people field in this calculator for a simple equal split.
Is 20% a good tip for takeout or delivery?
For takeout, tipping 10% to 15% is common, though expectations vary by establishment. For delivery, 15% to 20% of the order value is standard, with a minimum of $3 to $5 per order for short-distance deliveries, as delivery drivers incur fuel and vehicle costs. During adverse weather or for very large orders, tipping generously is customary.
References
- US Department of Labor: Tipped Employees Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. Tipping is voluntary and amounts to personal discretion. See our methodology.