Tip Calculator
Calculate tips and split bills between friends — fast and easy.
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How to Calculate Tips in 2026
Tipping is a core part of American dining culture, and knowing how to calculate the right tip amount ensures you reward good service while staying within your budget. The standard tip in the US ranges from 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill, though 20% has become the most common baseline in 2026.
Standard Tipping Rates by Service Type
| Service | Standard Tip | Excellent Service |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (sit-down) | 18–20% | 22–25% |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | 20%+ |
| Hair salon / Barber | 15–20% | 20–25% |
| Taxi / Rideshare | 15–20% | 20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night | $5–10/night |
How to Split a Bill Fairly
When dining with friends, you can split evenly or proportionally. Equal splitting works when everyone ordered similar items. For unequal orders, calculate each person's subtotal, add their share of the tip, then divide tax proportionally. Our calculator handles both methods automatically. For large group dinners, many restaurants add an automatic 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more.
Should You Tip on Tax?
Etiquette experts generally recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal. On a $100 dinner with 8% sales tax, you'd tip on $100, not $108. The difference is small per meal but adds up over a year. This calculator uses the pre-tax amount by default.
Tipping Trends in 2026
Digital payment systems have made tipping more visible, with many POS terminals suggesting 20%, 25%, or even 30%. However, consumer surveys show that most Americans still consider 18–20% appropriate for standard table service. Consider the full context: counter-service establishments where you pick up food yourself typically warrant a lower tip (0–10%) than full-service restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard tip at a US restaurant is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. For excellent service, 20-25% is customary. For poor service, 10-15% is still expected.
Technically, you should tip on the pre-tax amount. However, many people tip on the total bill for simplicity. The difference is usually small.