Tip Calculator
Calculate tip amount and split the bill evenly. Choose 15%, 18%, 20%, 25% or enter a custom tip percentage. Free tip and bill splitter calculator.
Reviewed for accuracy by Marcus Webb and the Blueprint Dynamics editorial team (last updated July 2026). Our calculators use primary-source formulas and are cross-checked against IRS publications, Fannie Mae guidelines, and Federal Reserve data. Learn more about our methodology.
Enter your bill amount to calculate the tip.
Current tipping norms in the US
Tipping expectations have shifted upward over the past decade. For sit-down restaurant service: 18–20% is now the standard for adequate service, 22–25% for excellent service, and 15% is generally considered low or disappointing for table service where a server manages your experience throughout the meal. For quick-service or counter-service where staff do not wait on you, tipping is optional — typical amounts are $1–$2 or 10–15% if you appreciate the service. Food delivery: 15–20% of the order total, with a minimum of $3–$5 for small orders or bad weather. Bartenders: $1–$2 per drink for simple orders, 15–20% of the bar tab for complex orders or attentive service.
Mental math shortcuts for calculating tips
The easiest method: move the decimal one place left to get 10% of the bill, then scale from there. On a $73 bill: 10% = $7.30. For 20%, double it: $14.60. For 15%, take the 10% amount and add half: $7.30 + $3.65 = $10.95. For 18%, take 20% and subtract 10% of that: $14.60 − $1.46 = $13.14. Another method: round the bill to a nearby round number first ($73 → $70 or $75), calculate the tip on the rounded number, then adjust slightly — it's fast and the difference is negligible.
Tipping on pre- vs. post-tax amounts
Convention varies: tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is technically correct (you're rewarding service, not paying tax on tax), but tipping on the post-tax total is widely practiced and simpler. On a $80 pre-tax bill in a 10% tax state, the post-tax total is $88. A 20% tip on pre-tax = $16; on post-tax = $17.60. The difference is small enough that most servers prefer whichever results in a higher tip. This calculator lets you choose either base for full control.
Splitting the bill fairly
The simplest split is to divide the total (including tip) evenly among the party. This is fair when everyone ordered similarly. When orders differ significantly, calculate each person's share of the pre-tip subtotal, apply the tip percentage to each share, then add per-person. This avoids the awkwardness of one person ordering a $15 salad subsidizing another person's $60 steak and wine. For large groups (6+), many restaurants automatically add an 18–20% gratuity — check your bill before tipping again.