Tip Calculator
Enter the bill price, tip percentage, and number of people to calculate the total tip and bill amount.
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How to Calculate the Tip
Calculating the amount to tip on a bill can be done in a few easy steps. Start by dividing the tip percentage by 100 to get the percentage as a decimal.
tip as decimal = tip percentage ÷ 100
For example, if the tip percentage is 15%, divide 15 by 100 to find the decimal form, which is 0.15.
Next, multiply the tip percentage in decimal form by the total bill to calculate the amount to tip.
tip amount = bill amount × tip percentage
Thus, the tip amount is equal to the total bill amount times the tip percentage in decimal form.
For example, let’s calculate a 20% tip for a $75 bill.
tip as decimal = 20% ÷ 100
tip as decimal = 0.20
tip amount = $75 × 0.20
tip amount = $15
Thus, $15 would be a 20% tip on a $75 bill.
A Simple Trick to Calculate the Tip
Caught without your smartphone or a calculator? Here’s an easy way to calculate a tip without any tech.
Take the total bill and double it in your head, then shift the decimal point to the left one place. This will be a 20% tip amount.
For example, on a $100 bill, double the bill in your head – the result is $200. Then move the decimal point one place to the left, which is $20.00. Thus, the tip amount in this example is $20.
How Much is a Good Tip?
There are many different opinions on what a good tip is, and ultimately it’s up to you how much to tip for the service you receive. It’s generally agreed on that 15% is a good starting point for a tip.[1]
Suggested Tips for Various Services
The amount you might consider tipping also varies for different services and industries. Consider this as a starting point, and of course, use your preference or judgment if you disagree.
However, most hospitality industry workers make a majority of their income from tips, so tipping is commonly expected.
| Service | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Waitress / Waiter | 15-20% |
| Bartender | 15-20% – $1 minimum |
| Sommelier | 15% of the bottle price |
| Coatroom attendant | $1 per coat |
| Valet | $2 |
| Taxi / Driver | 15% |
| Food Delivery | 10% – increase to 15-20% for large or difficult orders |
| Hair Stylist / Barber | 15-20% |
| Hotel Bellhop | $1 per bag – $2 minimum |
| Hotel Housekeeper | $2-5 per night |
| Hotel Concierge | $5 if they arrange tickets or reservations |
| Airport Skycap | $1 per bag – $2 minimum |
Keep in mind that the tip percentage should be on the base price of the service if any discounts are applied to the bill. For instance, if you received a percentage off of your bill by using a sale coupon, then your tip should reflect the original price of the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vendors should I tip?
In general, you should tip most hospitality workers. Many earn a majority of their income through tips, which can make up 50% or more of their total wages.
What is a normal tip outside of the United States?
Cultural norms in other countries can be very different than in the U.S. It’s best to research the tipping expectations of countries before you travel so that you don’t unintentionally offend someone by tipping too much or not enough.
What tip should I leave if the service I received wasn’t good?
If the service you received wasn’t good, it’s generally normal to tip less than 15%-20%. However, it’s important to consider, for example, if you are at a restaurant, was the service poor because of your waiter or because of some factor outside of their control.
References
- Russ Wiles, How much to tip? Well, it depends. 4 tips to make it less taxing, USA Today, https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2015/06/14/much-tip-depends/71137254/
- CNN Money, How much to tip, https://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/tipping/