18% Gratuity Tip Calculator

How much should you tip?

Standard tipping in the United States ranges from 15-20% of the pre-tax bill, depending on service quality. In other countries, tipping customs vary significantly - some countries don't expect tips at all, while others consider 10% standard.

Tipping by Service Quality

• Excellent service (18-20%): Attentive, friendly, quick service
• Good service (15-17%): Polite and efficient service
• Average service (12-15%): Adequate but slow or inattentive
• Poor service (0-10%): Reserved for genuinely bad experiences

Common Tipping Scenarios

• Restaurant dine-in: 15-20% (pre-tax)
• Casual/fast-casual: 10-15% (optional)
• Delivery: 15-20% or $2-5 minimum
• Takeout: 10-15% (optional)
• Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 18-20% of bill
• Valet/coat check: $2-5

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

Etiquette experts recommend calculating your tip based on the pre-tax subtotal of the bill. You're tipping for service, not taxes. However, some bill splitters include tax when splitting to make math easier.

What if the service was terrible?

Even with poor service, leaving 0-10% is standard in the US. Completely skipping the tip sends a message, but most service workers depend on tips as their primary income.

How do I split a bill fairly when people ordered different amounts?

If costs were significantly different, use our Proportional Bill Splitter tool instead. For similar orders, simple division works fine. Always discuss before ordering to avoid awkwardness.

Is tipping expected everywhere?

Tipping culture varies widely by country. The US, Canada, and Australia have strong tipping cultures. Many European countries include service in the bill, making tips optional.

Should I tip on credit card payments?

Yes, tip percentages are the same regardless of payment method. Many credit card terminals automatically suggest 15%, 18%, or 20% to simplify the decision.