What Is the Tip Calculator?
The Tip Calculator is a fast, free tool for figuring out how much to tip at restaurants, bars, hotels, salons, and any other service business. It calculates the tip amount based on your bill subtotal and chosen percentage, then shows the total bill and optionally splits everything evenly among multiple people.
In the United States, tipping is a significant part of the service industry culture. Restaurant servers, delivery drivers, hairdressers, taxi/rideshare drivers, hotel staff, and many other workers depend on tips as a substantial part of their income. Knowing exactly how much to tip — and how to split a check fairly — can remove an awkward moment from any dining experience.
How to Use the Tip Calculator
- Enter your Bill Amount — the pre-tax subtotal from the receipt.
- Select a Quick Tip % button (10%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 25%) or type a custom percentage.
- Enter the Number of People splitting the bill (default is 1).
- Click Calculate Tip to see the tip amount, total bill, and per-person figures.
Tip Calculation Formula
Tip Amount = Bill Amount × (Tip % ÷ 100)
Total Bill = Bill Amount + Tip Amount
Per Person = Total Bill ÷ Number of People
Tip/Person = Tip Amount ÷ Number of People
Standard Tipping Guide
| Service Type | Standard Tip | Exceptional Service |
|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 18–20% | 25%+ |
| Takeout / Counter service | 10–15% | 15–20% |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | 20–25% |
| Taxi / Rideshare | 15–20% | 20–25% |
| Hair salon / Barber | 15–20% | 25% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night | $5–10/night |
When to Use This Calculator
Use the tip calculator any time you are paying for a service and want a quick, accurate tip amount. It is especially useful when splitting a restaurant bill among friends — rather than doing mental math, just enter the bill total and number of people and you get the exact amount each person owes including tip. The quick-select tip buttons make it easy to choose a standard percentage without typing.
The calculator is also helpful for understanding the etiquette difference between services. For example, a $100 restaurant tab with a 20% tip results in $120 total, or $30 per person for a table of four. Knowing this in advance helps you budget for dining out and ensures no one is under-tipping their server.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?+
In the US, 15–20% is standard for sit-down restaurant service. 18–20% is considered a proper tip for good service, while 25% or more is reserved for exceptional service. For poor service, 10–15% is still customary unless service was genuinely unacceptable.
Should I tip before or after tax?+
Most etiquette guides suggest tipping on the pre-tax amount. However, tipping on the after-tax total is also widely accepted and results in a slightly higher (and appreciated) tip for your server.
How do I split a bill evenly?+
Enter your total bill, select a tip percentage, and set the Number of People to however many are sharing the check. The calculator shows the exact amount each person owes including their share of the tip.
Should I tip on takeout orders?+
Tipping 10–15% on takeout is appreciated but generally not mandatory. For delivery orders, 15–20% is the norm given the driver's effort and fuel costs.
Is this tip calculator free?+
Yes, completely free at CLCU Online — no login, no subscription, no ads blocking your results.
How do you calculate 15% tip?+
To calculate a 15% tip: multiply the bill by 0.15. Example: $48.00 × 0.15 = $7.20 tip. A quick mental trick — find 10% (move the decimal one place left), then add half of that. On a $48 bill: 10% = $4.80, half = $2.40, total tip = $7.20.
What percentage should you tip?+
Standard tip percentages: 15–18% for average service at sit-down restaurants, 20% for good service, 25%+ for exceptional service. For delivery, 15–20% of the order total. For bartenders, $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab. For hotel housekeeping, $2–5 per night.
Tip calculator for California — does sales tax affect the tip?+
In California (and most states), tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is considered standard etiquette. However, many people tip on the total bill for simplicity. Our calculator lets you enter either the pre-tax or post-tax amount — use whichever feels right for your situation.
How much should you tip for food delivery?+
Standard delivery tip is 15–20% of the order total, with a minimum of $3–5 for small orders. If the delivery was difficult (bad weather, long distance, multiple flights of stairs) or if you're a regular customer, 20–25% is appreciated. Many delivery apps suggest 15% by default.
How do you calculate tip percentage from a total?+
Tip Percentage = (Tip Amount ÷ Pre-tax Bill) × 100. If your bill was $60 and you left $12, your tip percentage = ($12 ÷ $60) × 100 = 20%. Use our calculator above to figure out the percentage you're tipping based on any tip amount.