Tip Calculator

How to Use the Tip Calculator

Using the tip calculator is straightforward. Enter your bill amount in the first field, choose a tip percentage using the input or the quick-select buttons, and set the number of people splitting the bill. Click "Calculate Tip" to see the tip amount, total bill, and the amount each person owes.

The quick-select buttons (10%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 25%) let you jump to common tip levels with a single click. You can also type any custom percentage into the input field for precise control.

Understanding Tip Percentages

Tipping is an important part of dining culture in many countries, especially the United States and Canada. The tip percentage you choose typically reflects the quality of service you received:

• 10%: Below average service or counter-service dining.
• 15%: Adequate service — the traditional baseline tip.
• 18%: Good service — increasingly considered the new standard.
• 20%: Very good service — the most common tip for quality dining.
• 25%+: Exceptional service — above and beyond expectations.

The History of Tipping

Tipping originated in 17th-century England, where guests in private homes would give small sums to servants for their extra work during visits. The practice spread to restaurants and hotels throughout Europe and eventually to America. The word "tip" is believed to come from the 18th-century slang meaning "to give" or "to hand over."

In the United States, tipping became deeply embedded in the service industry during the post-Civil War era. Today, tips represent a significant portion of service workers' income, with many restaurants paying servers a lower base wage with the expectation that tips will make up the difference.

How to Split a Bill Fairly

Splitting a restaurant bill among friends can be tricky. Here are some common approaches:

• Equal split: Divide the total (including tip) evenly among all diners, regardless of what each person ordered. This is the simplest method and works best when orders are similar in price.
• Proportional split: Each person pays for their own items plus a proportional share of the tip. This is fairer when orders vary significantly in price.
• One person pays: One person covers the entire bill, and others reimburse them later via cash or payment apps.

Our tip calculator uses the equal-split method, dividing the total (bill plus tip) equally among the number of people you specify.

Tipping Around the World

Tipping customs vary dramatically across cultures. Here is a quick reference:

• United States / Canada: 15-20% is standard for restaurants, bars, and many services.
• United Kingdom: 10-15% is typical, though many restaurants add a service charge.
• Japan: Tipping is not expected and can even be considered rude in some contexts.
• Australia: Not expected, but appreciated for exceptional service (10% or rounding up).
• France / Germany: A small tip (5-10%) or rounding up the bill is common, especially at restaurants.

Tips for Tipping

• Always calculate the tip on the pre-tax subtotal for accuracy, although tipping on the total is also acceptable.
• Use the quick-select buttons for speed, or enter a custom percentage for precision.
• Remember to tip other service providers too: hotel housekeeping, hair stylists, delivery drivers, and taxi or rideshare drivers.
• If paying with a credit card, consider leaving the tip in cash so it goes directly to the server.