Free Tip Calculator with Bill Split
Enter the bill, pick a tip percentage, split between people — results update instantly.
Why tipping norms vary so much by country
Tipping culture in the US grew out of a very different service-industry pay structure than most of the world: many US service workers are legally paid a lower base wage specifically because tips are expected to make up the difference, which is why skipping a tip there has a direct, immediate effect on someone's income. Most other countries build a full service wage into the listed price, and some (Japan is the often-cited example) treat an offered tip as mildly awkward rather than generous, since good service is considered simply part of the job rather than something extra to be rewarded case by case. Neither system is "more correct" — they're just built around different underlying pay structures, which is why blindly applying one country's tipping habits in another can land oddly.
Tipping on delivery orders
A "delivery fee" on a food delivery order typically goes to the platform or restaurant to cover logistics — not directly to the driver as their earnings — so tipping the driver separately generally remains customary in the US even when a delivery fee is already charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant in the US?
15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for table service, with 20% now the common default for good service. For counter service, 10% or the suggested amounts on the screen are typical; delivery usually runs 10–15% with a reasonable minimum.
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Etiquette says pre-tax, and no server will object. In practice most people tip on the total because it's the number at the bottom of the check — the difference is small either way.
How does the bill split work?
The total including tip is divided evenly by the number of people. Uneven shares (someone had the lobster) are best handled by splitting the items first, then using the calculator per share.
Should I still tip if a delivery fee was already charged?
Generally yes — a delivery fee usually goes to the platform or restaurant to cover logistics, not directly to the driver's earnings, so a separate tip is typically still expected in the US.
Does this work for currencies other than dollars?
Yes — the math is identical everywhere. Just read the $ as your own currency. Tipping customs differ by country, though: in much of Europe 5–10% or rounding up is generous, and in Japan tipping isn't customary at all.