Calculate the perfect tip and split the bill with your group in seconds.
To calculate a tip, multiply the pre-tax bill amount by the tip percentage. For a $50 bill at 20%, the tip is $50 x 0.20 = $10. To split the bill, divide the total (bill + tip) by the number of people.
At sit-down restaurants, 15-20% is standard, with 20% being the most common for good service. For excellent service, 25% or more is appreciated. For takeout, 10-15% is becoming the norm. Bartenders typically receive $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab. Delivery drivers should receive 15-20% with a minimum of $3-5. Hair stylists typically receive 15-20%. Hotel housekeeping is usually $2-5 per night.
Not all services follow the same tipping conventions. Rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft) typically receive 15-20%, and the tip can be added through the app after the ride. Movers generally receive $20-50 per person for a full-day move, or 15-20% of the total bill. Valet parking attendants usually receive $3-5 when they return your car. Tattoo artists customarily receive 15-25% of the session cost. Baristas at coffee shops often have a tip jar; $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the order is standard. Grocery delivery drivers should receive 15-20% with a $5 minimum, especially for large or heavy orders.
Tipping etiquette says you should tip on the pre-tax amount, not the total after tax. However, many people tip on the total for simplicity. On a typical meal, the difference is usually just a dollar or two, so either approach is acceptable.
Tipping customs vary dramatically by country. In Japan, tipping is generally considered rude and can even cause confusion. In most of Europe, service charges are often included in the bill, though rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated in countries like France, Germany, and Italy. In the United Kingdom, 10-12.5% is common at restaurants if no service charge is added. In Australia and New Zealand, tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service. In Canada, norms closely mirror the United States at 15-20%. In Mexico, 10-15% is standard at restaurants. Always research local customs before traveling.
In the United States, tipped workers often receive a lower base wage (as low as $2.13/hour federally for tipped employees), with the expectation that tips will bring their total compensation to at least minimum wage. While the tipping system is debated, it remains the primary way service workers earn their income in the U.S. Some states (California, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Minnesota, Alaska, Nevada) require employers to pay the full state minimum wage before tips, which changes the tipping dynamic somewhat.
Many restaurants automatically add a gratuity (usually 18-20%) for parties of six or more. This is sometimes printed on the receipt as a "service charge" or "auto-gratuity." When this is already included, additional tipping is not required but is appreciated for exceptional service. Always check your bill before adding a tip so you do not double-tip unintentionally.
Tablet-based point-of-sale systems have made tipping prompts more visible, often suggesting 20%, 25%, or even 30% at businesses where tipping was not previously common, such as fast-casual restaurants and coffee counters. You are never obligated to tip at these prompts. Tipping at counter-service establishments is optional and entirely at your discretion. For full-service dining and personal services, tipping remains an important part of the worker's compensation.