Finance calculator

Tip Calculator, Split Bills & Calculate Gratuity by Service

Calculate tips and split bills evenly among any number of people. Find gratuity by service quality level and per-person share.

$

Tip Percentage

%

Tip Amount

Total tip

Total Per Person

Including tip

Total Bill

Bill + tip

How CalcMesh calculates a tip

A tip is a percentage of the pre-tax bill, optionally split across a party. In the United States, 15% to 20% is the customary range for table service, so we offer those as quick presets.

We compute the tip, total and per-person share from your bill and rate; the rounding options we use are documented in our methodology.

Tipping Etiquette Guide

Tipping customs vary by service type. Here are the standard percentages for common situations in the United States:

Restaurants

  • Sit-down dining: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill
  • Buffets: 10% is common
  • Takeout: Not expected, but 10% is appreciated

Delivery & Rides

  • Food delivery: 15-20%, minimum $3-5
  • Taxi/rideshare: 15-20% of the fare
  • Grocery delivery: 10-15%

Personal Services

  • Hairstylist/barber: 15-20%
  • Spa services: 15-20%
  • Tattoo artist: 15-25%

Hotels

  • Housekeeping: $2-5 per night
  • Bellhop: $1-2 per bag
  • Concierge: $5-20 for special assistance
  • Valet: $2-5 when your car is returned

Methodology & Assumptions

This calculator implements standard formulas drawn from primary-source authorities. Values are point-in-time estimates; consult a licensed professional for high-stakes decisions. See the per-input definitions and source citations below.

How this works

Computations are deterministic and run client-side, no inputs leave your browser. Formulas are derived from standard published formulas for the calculator's domain (mortgage, taxes, energy, conversions, etc.). When the underlying agency publishes updated rates or thresholds we refresh defaults and update the page's lastmod timestamp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the United States, 15-20% is standard for sit-down restaurants. For exceptional service, 25% or more is appropriate. Some restaurants include a gratuity for larger parties (usually 18%), so check your bill before adding extra.
Is tipping mandatory in the U.S.?
Tipping is not legally required, but it is a strong social expectation in the United States. Many service workers rely on tips as a significant portion of their income, as their base hourly wage is often below the standard minimum wage.
How do I split a bill fairly among friends?
The simplest method is to divide the total (including tip) equally by the number of people. If people ordered items with very different prices, consider splitting based on what each person ordered, then adding an equal share of the tip on top.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Etiquette experts generally recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal. However, tipping on the total after tax is common and simpler. The difference is usually small, so either approach is acceptable.

Related Calculators

This page identifies the inputs, method, and limitations behind its estimates. Calculator outputs are not professional advice and should be checked against the relevant primary source for a consequential decision. This calculator's formula and defaults are drawn from standard published sources for its domain, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.

Inputs, defaults, and authoritative sources
Input Default Source / authority
All inputs Domain-typical defaults Editorial methodology, CalcMesh 2026