How to work out a tip
Total = Bill + Tip
Per person = Total ÷ Number of people
Doing it in your head
Find 10% by moving the decimal point one place left. On a $85 bill that is $8.50. From there: 15% is 10% plus half of it ($8.50 + $4.25 = $12.75). 20% is double the 10% ($17.00). 18% is 20% minus a tenth of the 20% ($17.00 − $1.70 = $15.30).
Tipping customs around the world
Tipping norms vary more than almost any other social convention, and getting it wrong is awkward in both directions. What is stingy in New York is insulting in Tokyo.
| Country | Customary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 18% – 22% | Servers are often paid a sub-minimum wage and depend on tips |
| Canada | 15% – 20% | Similar to the US |
| United Kingdom | 10% – 15% | Often a discretionary service charge is already added — check first |
| Germany / Austria | 5% – 10% | Round up, hand it to the server directly |
| France | 0% – 5% | Service is legally included; small change for good service |
| Italy / Spain | 0% – 10% | A coperto or service charge is common |
| India | 5% – 10% | Check whether a service charge is already on the bill |
| Australia / NZ | 0% – 10% | Staff earn a full wage; tipping is genuinely optional |
| Japan | 0% | Tipping can cause offence — do not |
| China | 0% | Not customary outside international hotels |
| UAE | 10% – 15% | A 10% service charge is often already added |
Tip before or after tax?
Strictly, the tip is for service, and tax is not service — so tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is defensible. In practice most people tip on the total because it is simpler.
The difference is small. On a $85 bill with 8% sales tax, an 18% tip is $15.30 pre-tax against $16.52 post-tax — a $1.22 gap. Use the advanced options above to switch between them.
For working out sales tax itself, see the sales tax calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the United States, 18% to 22% for sit-down service is customary, with 20% the common default. In the UK, 10% to 15%. Across much of continental Europe, Australia and Japan, considerably less or nothing at all.
Check whether a service charge has already been added before deciding.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Either is acceptable. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the more defensible position, since tax is not service. Most people tip on the total for simplicity.
On typical bills the difference is a dollar or two.
How do I split a bill unevenly?
This calculator splits evenly. For uneven splits, work out each person's share of the subtotal, then apply the same tip percentage to each share.
Alternatively, total each person's items, then divide the tip proportionally rather than equally.
Do I tip on a discounted or comped bill?
Yes, on the original pre-discount amount. The server did the same work regardless of whether you used a voucher or had a course comped.
This applies to coupons, loyalty discounts and complimentary items alike.