The bill
While you’re here — claim a crypto exchange bonus
Bonuses you get just for signing up. Terms are copied straight from each exchange.
The percentage is on the pre-tax bill
In the United States the convention is to tip on the subtotal, before sales tax. Tipping on the post-tax total quietly adds another one to two per cent depending on the state. Card terminals that suggest amounts usually compute on the total, which is why their suggestions run higher than what you meant to leave.
What counts as standard has moved
Fifteen per cent was the usual restaurant tip for decades; twenty is now the common default in US sit-down restaurants, with eighteen typical for larger groups where it may be added automatically. Counter service, takeaway and delivery follow different conventions again, so the number you pick depends on the setting more than on the service.
Rounding up is the practical part
Splitting a bill rarely divides evenly, and nobody hands over $17.43 in cash. This calculator shows both the exact share and the share rounded up to the next whole unit, which is what people actually pay. The rounding difference goes to the tip rather than short-changing the bill.
More calculators
Frequently asked questions
QShould I tip on the total or before tax?
Before tax, on the subtotal. That is the convention in the United States, and tipping on the post-tax total adds roughly another one to two per cent depending on the state. Card terminals usually suggest amounts computed on the total, which makes their suggestions higher than intended.
QHow much is standard now?
In US sit-down restaurants twenty per cent is the common default, fifteen the low end and eighteen typical for larger parties. Counter service and takeaway carry different expectations. Outside the US the whole convention changes — see the next question.
QDo other countries tip like this?
No, and the gap is large. Service is generally included in Japan and South Korea, where tipping is not expected at all; much of Europe includes service in the bill and rounding up is the norm; Australia and New Zealand tip occasionally for exceptional service. A US percentage applied abroad is usually well above local practice.
QIs the tip taken before or after splitting?
It makes no difference to the total. Adding the tip and then dividing gives the same per-person figure as each person tipping on their own share, so long as everyone uses the same percentage. This page adds first, then divides.