How the tip calculator works
Tipping math is a single percentage applied to your bill, then optionally divided by the number of people at the table:
- Tip amount = bill × (tip % ÷ 100)
- Total = bill + tip amount
- Per person = total ÷ number of people
So a $50 bill with an 18% tip gives a tip of 50 × 0.18 = $9.00 and a total of $59.00.
Choosing a percentage
In the United States, tipping is customary for table service. A quick guide:
- 15%: acceptable for standard service.
- 18%: a common default and what many card terminals suggest first.
- 20%+: for service you were happy with, or larger groups where gratuity may be expected.
For counter service, coffee, or takeout, tipping is discretionary and smaller amounts are normal.
Splitting the bill
When you set the number of people, the calculator divides the total (bill plus tip) evenly. If your group ordered very differently, it is fairer to work out the tip on the whole bill and then split by what each person actually had.
A note on tax
Tip is traditionally figured on the pre-tax subtotal. The gap between tipping on pre-tax versus post-tax is usually a matter of cents, so use whichever is easier. Enter the subtotal here if you want to be precise.