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Back to Finance CalculatorsUnderstanding Tipping Etiquette
A tip calculator simplifies the process of determining appropriate gratuity for restaurant dining, food delivery, and various services. Tipping customs vary by country and service type, but in the United States, 15-20% is standard for good restaurant service, with 20% or more for exceptional service. Our calculator helps you quickly compute the tip amount, total bill, and per-person cost when splitting with friends.
For example, on a $85 restaurant bill with 18% tip, you would add $15.30 in gratuity for a total of $100.30. If splitting among 4 people, each person pays $25.08. The calculator handles all the math instantly, eliminating awkward calculations and ensuring fair distribution. You can also adjust tip percentages based on service quality—15% for adequate service, 18-20% for good service, and 20-25% for excellent service.
Beyond restaurants, tipping applies to food delivery (10-20% or minimum $3-5), bartenders ($1-2 per drink), hairstylists (15-20%), taxi drivers (10-15%), and hotel staff (various amounts). Understanding appropriate tip amounts shows appreciation for good service and supports service industry workers who often rely on gratuities as significant income. Use our calculator for any tipping situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Either is acceptable, though tipping on the pre-tax amount is more common. For example, on a $100 bill with $8 tax, 18% of pre-tax is $18, while 18% of post-tax ($108) is $19.44. The difference is usually small. Many people tip on the total for simplicity. Choose whichever feels comfortable, as both approaches are socially acceptable.
How much should I tip for takeout or delivery?
For takeout, 10% or rounding up a few dollars is appropriate since you're not receiving table service. For delivery, tip 10-20% of the bill or minimum $3-5, whichever is higher. Consider distance, weather conditions, and order size. Larger orders, bad weather, or long distances warrant higher tips. Many delivery apps suggest tip amounts, but you can adjust based on service quality.
What if service was poor?
For genuinely poor service, you can reduce the tip to 10-12% or speak with a manager about the issues. However, consider whether problems were the server's fault or due to kitchen delays or management issues. Many servers share tips with other staff and rely on gratuities for income. If service was unacceptable, address it directly rather than simply not tipping, as this provides constructive feedback.
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