How much should I tip?

In the United States, the standard for good service is typically 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. 15% is common for adequate service, 18% for good service, and 20% or more for excellent service.

Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

It is standard practice to calculate the tip based on the pre-tax subtotal of the bill. However, some people choose to tip on the total amount for simplicity.

What if the service was bad?

If the service was poor, it is generally acceptable to leave a smaller tip, such as 10%. It is often recommended to speak with a manager about the poor service rather than leaving no tip at all, as the issue may not have been the server's fault.

Tip Calculator | Split the Bill Easily

How Does This Work?

This calculator makes it simple to figure out tips and split bills. Here’s the process:

Calculate Tip Amount: It first calculates the tip by converting your chosen percentage into a decimal and multiplying it by the bill amount.
Formula: Tip = Bill Amount × (Tip Percentage / 100)
Calculate Total Bill: The calculated tip amount is then added to the original bill amount to find the total payment due.
Formula: Total Bill = Bill Amount + Tip
Split the Bill: Finally, if you are splitting the bill with others, the total bill is divided by the number of people to determine how much each person should pay.

The Surprising History of Tipping

The practice of tipping is believed to have originated in 17th-century Tudor England. In private homes, it was customary for overnight guests to give a small sum of money, known as a "vail," to the household's servants for their service. This practice soon spread to public establishments like coffeehouses and taverns.

Legend has it that in English pubs, a box labeled "To Insure Promptitude" was placed on the bar. Customers who wanted faster service would drop a coin in the box. The practice was eventually brought to America after the Civil War by wealthy Americans who had traveled to Europe and wanted to appear aristocratic. Initially, the practice was met with strong opposition in the U.S., with many seeing it as undemocratic. However, it persisted and eventually became an ingrained part of American service culture, especially in the restaurant industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it okay to round the tip or the final bill?

Yes, it's very common to round the tip or the final bill to the nearest dollar for convenience. Our calculator provides the exact amount, but feel free to round up or down as you see fit.

What is the tipping etiquette in other countries?

Tipping customs vary widely around the world. In many European countries, a service charge is already included in the bill. In countries like Japan, tipping can be considered rude. It's always a good idea to research local customs before traveling.

How does the 'Split the Bill' feature work if people ordered different amounts?

This calculator splits the *total* bill (including tip) evenly among the number of people you enter. If individuals in your group spent vastly different amounts, it's more fair to calculate the tip on the total bill and then have each person add that percentage to their individual subtotal.