Kalkulo

Tip calculator

Work out the tip and total to pay in the US, with presets from 15% to 25% and an even bill split for groups.

Result
$9
Total with tip : $59

About this tool

Why use this tool

In the United States, tipping is not optional — it's a core part of hospitality workers' compensation. The federal tipped minimum wage is still $2.13/hour (unchanged since 1991 under the FLSA), which means restaurant servers, bartenders, hotel staff and drivers rely on tips for the majority of their income. Under-tipping in the US is considered rude and can leave the server earning below minimum wage. This calculator helps you compute a fair tip quickly, split the bill among friends, and avoid mental math mistakes when the check arrives.

How it works

Tip = Pre-tax subtotal × (Percentage / 100). Standard US tipping benchmarks in 2026: 15% for adequate service, 18-20% for good service, 22-25% for exceptional service. Some restaurants add an automatic gratuity (18-20%) for parties of six or more — check the check before adding an additional tip. In New York, Washington DC and California, many establishments now display suggested tip amounts of 20/25/30% on card terminals; these are suggestions, not obligations.

Real example

A dinner check in Chicago totals $84 pre-tax (sales tax adds ~$8.40 on top). A standard 20% tip on the pre-tax amount is $16.80, rounded to $17. Total paid: $84 + $8.40 tax + $17 tip = $109.40. For a $28 Uber ride from LaGuardia to Manhattan, a 15-18% tip ($4-5) is customary. For a $12 coffee counter order, tipping is discretionary — $1-2 in the jar is generous.

Practical tips

Always tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the tax-included total (though tipping on the total is common and appreciated). For buffets, 10% is acceptable since servers only clear plates. Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night, left daily (staff rotates). Bellhops: $1-2 per bag. Hair stylists and barbers: 15-20%. Food delivery: 15-20% or minimum $3-5. Under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, tips remain taxable income for the recipient — always report cash tips honestly, and note the IRS tracks credit-card tips automatically.

Disclaimer

US tipping norms vary by region, service type and establishment. This tool provides estimates based on IRS Publication 531 (Reporting Tip Income) and industry standards published by the National Restaurant Association. It is not affiliated with the IRS, US Department of Labor, or any hospitality trade group. Automatic service charges added to your bill are not tips under FLSA — the establishment is not legally required to distribute them to servers.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I tip at a restaurant in the United States?⌄
In the US, tipping at restaurants is a cultural expectation, not optional. Standard tipping is 15-18% for adequate service, 20% for good service, and 25% or more for exceptional service. Many restaurants now add automatic gratuity of 18-20% for large parties (typically 6 or more). Tipping less than 15% is considered rude and signals dissatisfaction with the service.
Do I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?⌄
Most Americans tip on the pre-tax subtotal, though tipping on the total including tax is also common and easier to calculate. The difference is small — on a $100 meal with 8% tax, tipping 20% on pre-tax ($20) versus post-tax ($21.60) is only $1.60. Our calculator lets you choose which base to use. When in doubt, rounding up slightly is always appreciated.
Who else should I tip besides restaurant servers?⌄
Tipping culture in the US extends well beyond restaurants. Standard expectations include bartenders at $1-2 per drink or 15-20%, hotel housekeeping at $2-5 per night, taxi and rideshare at 15-20%, hair stylists at 15-20%, food delivery at 15-20% (minimum $3-5), and valet parking at $2-5. Tipping baristas, hotel concierge, and movers is appreciated but less strictly expected.
Is it rude not to tip at a coffee shop or counter service?⌄
Counter service and coffee shops have seen a surge in tip prompts on payment screens, creating social pressure many customers find uncomfortable. Unlike sit-down restaurants, there is no firm cultural expectation to tip at counter service — a simple order pickup does not carry the same social obligation. Tipping for complex drinks or excellent service is always appreciated by baristas who earn relatively low hourly wages.
How do I split the bill fairly when people ordered different amounts?⌄
The fairest approach when people ordered very different amounts is to calculate each person's share individually based on what they ordered, then split the tip proportionally. Our calculator handles equal splitting with tip, but for unequal orders, have each person calculate their subtotal, add their proportional share of tip and tax, then pay accordingly. Many groups use apps like Splitwise to settle unequal bills easily.

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