Tip Calculator

Enter a bill amount and a percentage, and this returns the tip and the total to pay. The percentage is rarely the hard part — the base is. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal and tipping on the tax-inclusive total give noticeably different answers on a large bill, and restaurants are not consistent about which one the suggested amounts printed on the receipt use.

How to use

1. Enter the amount from the bill.
2. Enter the tip percentage. Table service in the United States usually falls between 15 and 20 percent.
3. Read the tip and the resulting total.
4. If several people are paying, take the total straight to the bill splitter.

When you actually need this

• Working out what to add at a restaurant abroad, at the table.
• Deciding what to write in the tip line on a card slip.
• Comparing customary rates across restaurants, taxis, hotels and salons.
• Deciding whether to add anything when a service charge is already on the bill.

Base amount and customary rates

The conventional range for table service in the United States is 15 to 20 percent, calculated on the pre-tax subtotal; tipping on the tax-inclusive total quietly adds a few percent more. If the bill already shows a service charge or an automatic gratuity — common for larger parties, typically around 18 percent — a further tip is not expected. Counter service, takeaway and delivery follow different conventions again. Outside North America the picture changes entirely: much of Europe treats rounding up as sufficient, and in Japan and Korea tipping is simply not practised.

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FAQ

What formula does Tip Calculator use?

It uses the standard published formula for this calculation, applied exactly as written with no rounding until the final result. The inputs you provide are the only variables — there are no hidden assumptions or regional adjustments.

How accurate is the result from Tip Calculator?

The arithmetic is exact to the precision your browser supports. Accuracy in practice depends on your inputs: an estimate built on rounded figures will itself be an estimate, so enter the most precise values you have.

Can I use this for official or financial decisions?

Treat the output as a well-calculated estimate rather than professional advice. For medical, tax, legal or lending decisions, confirm the figure with a qualified professional or the institution involved before acting on it.