Free Online Tip Calculator

A tip calculator is an essential tool for dining out, ride-sharing, hair salons, and any service where tipping is customary. It quickly calculates the appropriate tip amount based on your bill total and desired tip percentage, splits the total among multiple people, and shows the grand total including tax and tip.

Instead of struggling with mental math at the restaurant table or fumbling with your phone's basic calculator, this advanced tip calculator provides quick preset buttons for standard percentages (15%, 18%, 20%), handles sales tax calculations, evenly splits bills among friends or coworkers, and even offers rounding options for clean cash transactions.

What is a Tip Calculator?

A tip calculator performs three essential functions: calculating tip amounts as a percentage of the pre-tax bill, adding sales tax to determine the total amount owed, and dividing the final total among multiple people. The basic formula is simple: Tip Amount = Bill × (Tip Percentage ÷ 100), but real-world usage adds layers of complexity.

Most restaurant bills separate food/drink charges (where tipping applies) from tax and existing gratuity. The calculator focuses on the pre-tax subtotal—the amount servers actually earn tips on—then optionally adds tax for the final total. When splitting bills, it divides both the tip and total evenly (or by custom amounts) so everyone pays their fair share.

Modern tip calculators include convenience features like one-tap preset percentages (15%, 18%, 20%, 25%), tax rate customization for different cities/states, per-person breakdowns, and rounding to make cash payments easier. These extras turn a simple math tool into a complete dining companion.

How the Tip Calculator Works

Core Tip Calculation Formula

The calculator uses this standard formula: Tip = Subtotal × (Tip % ÷ 100). For a $47.85 restaurant bill with 18% tip: 47.85 × 0.18 = $8.61 tip. Total with tip: $47.85 + $8.61 = $56.46. Add 8% tax ($4.52) for grand total: $60.98.

Handling Sales Tax

Sales tax varies by location (5-10% typical). Enter your local rate and the calculator applies it to the subtotal + tip (or just subtotal, depending on jurisdiction). Some states tax the tip portion; others don't. The tool shows both options and the final amount owed.

Bill Splitting

Enter the number of people and it divides total + tax + tip evenly. For 4 people on $60.98 total: $15.25 each. Custom splits allow uneven shares (2 people pay more, 2 pay less). Results show both total per person and tip per person for transparency.

Quick Preset Buttons

One-tap buttons for 15% (basic), 18% (standard), 20% (good), 22% (great), 25% (excellent) eliminate typing. Custom percentage field handles unusual situations like 10% counter service or 30% exceptional holiday service.

Standard Tip Percentages Guide

These ranges reflect current North American tipping norms. International standards vary—Europe typically 5-10%, Asia often includes service charges.

How to Use the Tip Calculator

Step 1: Enter Bill Subtotal

Input the pre-tax amount from your bill (food + drinks only). Exclude tax, existing gratuity, or non-tipped items. For $68.50 dinner: enter 68.50.

Step 2: Select Tip Percentage

Use quick buttons (15/18/20%) or enter custom (12%, 22%, etc.). 18% on $68.50 = $12.33 tip.

Step 3: Add Tax (Optional)

Enter local tax rate (8% = 0.08). $68.50 + $12.33 tip × 8% = $6.47 tax. Total: $87.30.

Step 4: Split the Bill

Enter 3 people: $87.30 ÷ 3 = $29.10 each ($19.42 subtotal + $4.11 tip + $1.56 tax per person).

Step 5: Round for Cash

Round $29.10 to $30 each ($90 total) for easy cash splitting.

Real-World Examples

$124.75 Dinner for 4 (18% tip, 8.25% tax)

• Tip: $22.46
• Tax: $11.44
• Total: $158.65
• Per person: $39.66

$36.85 Lunch for 2 (15% tip, no tax shown)

• Tip: $5.53
• Total: $42.38
• Per person: $21.19

$89.25 Large Party (20% + auto 18% already included)

• Additional 2%: $1.79
• Total tip: 20% ($17.85)

Tipping Etiquette by Service Type

Restaurants & Bars

• Full service: 15-20%
• Buffet: 10%
• Bartender: $1-2/drink or 15-20%
• Takeout: Optional $2-5

Personal Services

• Hair/nails: 15-20%
• Massage: 20%
• Personal trainer: 10-15%

Delivery & Rideshare

• Food delivery: $3-5 or 15-20%
• Rideshare: $2-5 or 20%
• Hotel housekeeping: $2-5/stay

Special Situations

• Poor service: 10% minimum
• Holidays: +5-10%
• Large parties: 18-20% auto

Advanced Features

Custom Tax Rates

Enter exact local rates (Las Vegas 8.375%, Chicago 10.25%) for precise totals. Toggle whether tax applies to tip portion.

Uneven Bill Splitting

One person had expensive wine? Assign custom shares (Person 1: 40%, Person 2: 30%, Person 3: 30%).

Round Up/Down Options

$43.72 becomes $45 (round up) or $43 (round down) for clean cash payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I tip on pre-tax or post-tax amount?

Always tip on pre-tax subtotal. Servers don't earn commission on government tax collected.

What if service was poor?

10% minimum is standard courtesy. Speak with manager for serious issues rather than "stiffing" staff.

Is 20% now mandatory?

No—15-18% remains standard for good service. 20%+ for exceptional. "Suggested" screen prompts often inflate expectations.

How do large party auto-gratuities work?

18-20% automatically added for 6+ people. Additional tipping optional for exceptional service.

Should I tip on takeout?

Optional $2-5 appreciated, not expected. Minimal staff effort vs dine-in.

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Disclaimer

This tip calculator provides guidance based on common conventions. Actual tipping remains discretionary based on service quality and personal preference. Local customs vary internationally.