Figuring out how much to tip can feel awkward — especially at a restaurant with friends when everyone is looking at you. In this guide, we cover the fastest mental math shortcuts, standard tip percentages for every service type, how to split a bill fairly, and what to do when a service charge is already included.
The Fastest Way to Calculate a Tip
Use our free Tip Calculator — enter the bill, choose the tip percentage, add the number of people, and get the tip amount, total bill, and per-person split instantly. No math required.
If you prefer to calculate in your head, the quickest method for a 20% tip is: move the decimal one place left (to get 10%), then double it. For a $74 bill: 10% = $7.40 → double = $14.80. For 15%: get 10%, then add half of that. $7.40 + $3.70 = $11.10.
Standard Tip Percentages by Service Type
| Service Type | Typical Tip Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15–20% | 20% for good service; 15% for average |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | Consider distance and weather conditions |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 10–20% | App usually prompts after the ride |
| Taxi | 15–20% | Round up or add 15–20% |
| Bartender | $1–2 per drink or 15–20% | For table service, use the higher percentage |
| Hair/nail salon | 15–20% | Standard; 20% for a great result |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 per night | Leave daily, not at checkout |
| Valet parking | $2–5 on pickup | Tip when you receive the car |
| Coffee counter/counter service | Optional, 10–15% | Not expected but appreciated |
How to Split a Bill Evenly
To split a bill equally: add the tip to the total first, then divide by the number of people. Per person = (Bill + Tip) ÷ Number of people.
Example: Dinner bill = $120, 18% tip, 4 people. Tip = $21.60. Total = $141.60. Per person = $141.60 ÷ 4 = $35.40 each.
Should You Tip on the Pre-Tax or Post-Tax Amount?
Most etiquette guides recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal. Tax is a government charge unrelated to service quality, so technically you are not obligated to tip on it. That said, the difference is small — on a $60 pre-tax bill with 8% tax, you would tip on $60 vs $64.80. The difference at 20% tip is about $0.96. Many people simply tip on the total bill for convenience.
What to Do When a Service Charge Is Already Included
Many restaurants automatically add an 18–20% gratuity for large parties (typically 6 or more). Check the bill carefully for lines labeled “service charge,” “gratuity,” “auto-gratuity,” or “service fee.” If one is included, you are not expected to add an additional tip — doing so would mean paying 35–40% total without realizing it. If the service was exceptional and you want to leave extra, a small additional tip is always at your discretion.
Tipping Internationally
Tipping customs vary dramatically around the world. In the United States and Canada, tipping is expected and workers often depend on it as a significant portion of their income. In Japan and South Korea, tipping can be considered rude or confusing. In the United Kingdom and Australia, tipping is appreciated but not required. In many European countries, rounding up or leaving small change is common. Always research local customs before traveling to avoid inadvertent offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair tip for poor service?
Most etiquette guides suggest 10% as a minimum even for poor service, rather than leaving nothing. This is partly because servers often share tips with kitchen staff and bussers who had no role in the service quality issue. If the problem was serious (e.g., rude behavior, long unexplained waits), speak with a manager rather than withholding the tip entirely.
Do I tip on alcohol at a restaurant?
Yes, in most cases. At a restaurant, drinks are typically included in the total you tip on. At a bar, the standard is $1–$2 per drink for simple orders, or 15–20% for table service. On expensive bottles of wine, some people tip 15% rather than 20% to avoid an unusually large tip on a high-price item.
Is it appropriate to tip with a card?
Yes, tipping by card is completely standard and preferred by many workers because it is recorded on their paycheck. Some workers prefer cash tips for tax reasons, but there is no obligation to tip in cash. The tip amount goes through your card just like the bill.
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