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| Bill | 15% | 18% | 20% | 22% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $4.40 |
| $40 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $8.80 |
| $60 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $13.20 |
| $80 | $12.00 | $14.40 | $16.00 | $17.60 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $22.00 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $33.00 |
| $200 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $44.00 |
How to work out a tip in your head
Move the decimal point one place left to get 10%, then build from there. On a $64.50 bill, 10% is $6.45, so 20% is $12.90 and 15% is $6.45 + $3.23 = $9.68. For 18%, take 20% and subtract 2% ($1.29): $11.61. The calculator does this exactly and rounds each share to the cent.
Pre-tax or after-tax?
Etiquette guides generally say to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, because sales tax is not part of the service. Tipping on the total is also common and simpler. On a $64.50 subtotal with 8.25% tax ($5.32), an 18% tip is $11.61 on the subtotal or $12.57 on the total: a difference of under a dollar.
Splitting the bill fairly
An even split is fastest. If one person ordered much more, split the subtotal by what each person ordered and apply the same tip percentage to each share, so everyone tips proportionally. Example for $64.50 at 18% between two people:
| People | Tip | Total | Each pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.61 | $76.11 | $76.11 |
| 2 | $11.61 | $76.11 | $38.05 |
| 3 | $11.61 | $76.11 | $25.37 |
| 4 | $11.61 | $76.11 | $19.03 |
| 6 | $11.61 | $76.11 | $12.69 |
Rounding without shortchanging
When each share ends in odd cents, round each share up to the next dollar. The server gets slightly more, and nobody has to deal with coins. Always check whether a service charge or gratuity is already on the bill, especially for large groups, so you do not tip twice.
Worked example
On an $86 bill, 18% is $15.48 and 20% is $17.20. Split four ways at 20%, each person pays $25.80. A quick mental method for 20%: move the decimal one place and double it ($8.60 × 2 = $17.20).
Customary amounts in the US
For table service, 15 to 20% of the pre-tax bill is customary, and many people now tip 18 to 20%. Check for an automatic service charge on large-party bills so you do not tip twice.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip on tax?
Commonly on the pre-tax amount; either is acceptable.
Should I tip on takeout?
It is optional and depends on local custom. Many people leave a smaller amount for takeout than for table service.
Is a service charge the same as a tip?
Not necessarily. Some restaurants keep service charges for general wages or costs. Ask if you want to know where it goes.