How to calculate a tip
A tip is a percentage of your bill before tax (though many people tip on the total). The formula is tip = bill × tip% ÷ 100, and the total = bill + tip. To split the bill, divide the total by the number of people. On a $50 bill at 18%, the tip is 50 × 0.18 = $9.00, the total is $59.00, and between two diners that is $29.50 each. Standard restaurant tips in the US run 15–20%, with 18% a common middle ground for good table service.
How to use this calculator
Enter the bill amount, the tip percentage, and the number of people sharing the check. The tip and grand total appear up top, with the per-person share below. To land on a round number, nudge the percentage until the total suits you; for an uneven split see the bill split calculator.
Worked example and tip table
Say four friends share a $120 dinner and want to tip 20%: the tip is 120 × 0.20 = $24, the total is $144, and each person pays $36. Here is what common rates come to on a $50 bill:
| Tip % | Tip | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 15% | $7.50 | $57.50 |
| 18% | $9.00 | $59.00 |
| 20% | $10.00 | $60.00 |
| 25% | $12.50 | $62.50 |
Tipping on the pre-tax amount is standard; on the post-tax total it is slightly more generous. The sales tax calculator checks both. Any custom percentage can also be worked out in the percentage calculator.
Frequently asked questions
- How much should I tip?
- In US restaurants, 15% is the low end, 18% is standard for good service, and 20% or more is generous. For a $50 bill at 18% that is a $9.00 tip.
- What is the tip on a $50 bill at 18%?
- $9.00, making the total $59.00. Split between two people, each pays $29.50.
- Should I tip on the bill before or after tax?
- Both are acceptable. Tipping on the pre-tax bill is standard; tipping on the after-tax total leaves a slightly larger tip.
- How do I split the tip among several people?
- Add the tip to the bill for the total, then divide by the number of people. The calculator shows this per-person amount automatically.
- Do I need to tip the same way outside the US?
- No — US rates are unusually high. Service is often included in Europe, where rounding up or 5–10% is plenty, and tipping is not customary in Japan. Set the percentage to match local practice.