How Do You Calculate a Tip?
Multiply the bill amount by the tip percentage and divide by 100. For example, a 20% tip on an $85 bill: $85 × 20 ÷ 100 = $17.00. Total with tip: $85 + $17 = $102.00.
A quick mental trick for 20%: move the decimal point one place left (10% of bill), then double it. For $85: 10% = $8.50, doubled = $17.00. For 15%: calculate 10% and add half of that. For $85: $8.50 + $4.25 = $12.75.
How Much Should You Tip in the US?
Standard US tipping: 15% for adequate service, 18% for good, 20% for great, 25%+ for exceptional. These guidelines apply to sit-down restaurants. Other services have different norms.
For takeout: 10-15%. Delivery: 15-20% (minimum $3-5). Bars: $1-2 per drink or 15-20%. Hair salons: 15-20%. Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night. Taxi/rideshare: 15-20%. Tipping customs vary significantly outside the US — in many countries, tipping is not expected or is included in the bill as a service charge.
How Do You Split a Bill Evenly?
Calculate the total bill including tip, then divide by the number of people. For an $85 bill with 20% tip split 4 ways: total = $102, per person = $25.50.
When splitting unevenly (some people ordered more), calculate each person's share of the food, then add the same tip percentage to each share. This calculator handles even splits automatically — just set the number of people and see per-person amounts instantly.
Tipping Etiquette Around the World
Tipping customs vary dramatically by country — what's expected in the US can be offensive in Japan and unnecessary in most of Europe.
| Country/Region | Restaurant Tip | Notes |
|---|
| United States | 18-22% | Expected; servers earn $2-5/hr base |
| Canada | 15-20% | Similar to US |
| UK | 10-12.5% | Optional; check if service charge included |
| France/Germany | 5-10% | Service included; round up or small extra |
| Japan | 0% (none) | Considered rude to tip |
| Australia | 0-10% | Not expected; wages are high |
| China | 0% (none) | Not customary except luxury hotels |
| Brazil | 10% | Usually added to bill automatically |
In the US, tipped workers have a federal minimum wage of just $2.13/hour (as of 2026) — tips make up the majority of their income. This is why US tipping expectations are much higher than in countries where servers earn full wages. The tipping debate is ongoing, with some US restaurants moving to a "service included" model with higher menu prices.
How Much to Tip for Different Services
Tipping norms extend far beyond restaurants. Here's a comprehensive guide for US tipping in 2026.
Restaurants (sit-down): 18-22% of pre-tax bill. 15% for adequate service, 20% standard, 25%+ for exceptional. Tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total including tax.
Takeout/counter service: 0-15%. Increasingly expected since COVID-19, but not mandatory. 10-15% is generous for counter service; $1-2 for simple orders.
Food delivery: 15-20% or minimum $5, whichever is higher. Drivers use their own vehicles and pay for gas. Bad weather or long distances warrant higher tips.
Bars: $1-2 per drink for simple pours, 15-20% for cocktails. Open a tab and tip at the end rather than per-drink for a cleaner experience.
Hair stylist/barber: 15-20% of the service cost. If the owner cuts your hair, tipping is traditionally optional but increasingly common.
Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night, left daily (different staff may clean each day). Place in an envelope or with a note marked "housekeeping" so they know it's for them.
Taxi/rideshare: 15-20%. The app makes this easy for Uber/Lyft — drivers see if you tipped after rating.
Movers: $20-50 per mover for a standard move, more for stairs, long distance, or difficult conditions.
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Note: Tipping customs vary by country and culture. The percentages shown are based on common US practices. In many countries, service charges are included in the bill. Always check if gratuity has already been added before tipping additionally.
Complete Tipping Guide: How Much to Tip in Every Situation (2026)
Tipping customs vary dramatically around the world. In the United States, tipping is expected and often constitutes a significant portion of service workers' income. In Japan, tipping can be considered rude. In Europe, service charges are often included in the bill. This guide covers US tipping standards and international customs to help you navigate any dining or service situation confidently.
US Tipping Standards by Service Type
Sit-down restaurants: 15-20% of pre-tax bill (18-20% for good service). Takeout: 10-15%. Delivery (food): 15-20%, minimum $3-5. Bars: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab. Hair salon/barber: 15-20%. Taxi/rideshare: 15-20%. Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night, left daily. Valet parking: $2-5 when car is returned. Movers: $20-50 per mover for a full-day job.
The Mental Math Trick
To quickly calculate 20%: move the decimal point one place left (this gives you 10%), then double it. For an $85 bill: 10% = $8.50, doubled = $17.00. For 15%: calculate 10% and add half of that. For $85: $8.50 + $4.25 = $12.75. For 25%: calculate 10%, then multiply by 2.5. These mental shortcuts work for any bill amount without needing a calculator.
International Tipping Customs
UK/Europe: Service charge often included (10-15%). Additional tip of 5-10% for exceptional service. Japan: Tipping is not customary and can be considered offensive. Australia: Not expected but appreciated (10%). Middle East: 10-15% standard. Latin America: 10% is standard, sometimes included as "propina". Always check if service charge is already on the bill before tipping additionally.