How to Calculate a Tip (and What's Normal in Each Country)
Tipping maths is simple once you know one trick, and tipping etiquette is the harder part, because it changes from country to country. Here is both.
The mental-maths trick
Everything starts with 10%: move the decimal point one place to the left. On a bill of $64.00, 10% is $6.40.
- 10%: $6.40
- 15%: 10% plus half of it: $6.40 + $3.20 = $9.60
- 20%: double the 10%: $6.40 × 2 = $12.80
- 18%: 20% minus a tenth of that 20%: $12.80 − $1.28 = $11.52
Round the bill to a friendly number first, and you'll be within a few cents. Nobody expects the exact figure to the penny.
The exact formulas
Tip = bill × tip% ÷ 100
Total = bill + tip
Per person = total ÷ number of people
Example: a $86 bill, 18% tip, four people. Tip = 86 × 0.18 = $15.48. Total = $101.48. Each person pays $25.37.
Before or after tax?
Etiquette in the US is to base the tip on the pre-tax amount, but many people tip on the total for simplicity, and the difference is small: the tip grows by the sales-tax rate, so with 8% tax a 20% tip on a $100 meal is $21.60 instead of $20. Either is acceptable. If you tip on the pre-tax subtotal, take the number off the itemised bill rather than the card slip's total.
Splitting a bill fairly
- Equal split: simplest when everyone had similar orders. Add the tip to the total and divide.
- Itemised: better when some people ordered much more. Compute each person's share of the pre-tax subtotal, then add proportionate tax and tip.
- Round up per person so the table covers the bill and any shortfall from rounding goes to the server, not to whoever pays last.
Tipping customs around the world
This is a general orientation; local practice varies with the venue, and it changes over time. When unsure, look at the bill: many places include service automatically.
- United States and Canada: tipping is expected. Restaurants: about 15–20% (18–20% is now the common expectation). Bars: about $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab. Taxis and ride-shares: 10–20%. Servers are typically paid low base wages that assume tips.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: about 10–12.5% in restaurants, often already added as a "service charge". Check the bill before adding more. Tipping in pubs is not expected when ordering at the bar.
- France, Spain, Italy, Portugal: service is usually included or wages are higher. Rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated but not required. In Italy, look for coperto (a cover charge), which is not a tip.
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland: rounding up or adding about 5–10% is normal, and you tell the server the total you'd like to pay rather than leaving cash on the table.
- Japan, South Korea, China: tipping is not customary and can cause confusion or offence. Excellent service is considered part of the job.
- Australia and New Zealand: not expected; workers receive full wages. A 10% tip for exceptional service at a restaurant is a kind gesture.
- Latin America: often 10% is already added ("propina"). Check the bill before adding more.
Others who are commonly tipped in the US
- Hair stylists and barbers: 15–20%
- Food delivery: about 15–20%, with a minimum of a few dollars for small orders
- Hotel housekeeping: $2–5 per night, left daily
- Bellhops and porters: $1–2 per bag
- Tour guides: $5–10 per person for a half-day tour, more for full days
Frequently asked questions
What is a good tip percentage?
In the US, 18–20% for good table service is now standard. Elsewhere it depends heavily on local custom, and in many countries none is expected.
Should I tip on the total including tax?
Traditionally on the pre-tax amount, but tipping on the total is common and not considered rude.
Do I tip if service is included?
Usually not, apart from rounding up or an extra for outstanding service.
How do I split the tip between people?
Add the tip to the bill first, then divide by the number of people. The calculator does this for you.