Home / Finance / Tip Calculator
Tip Calculator
Tipping Guide 2025
Restaurants: 15-20% (20% is standard)
Delivery: 15-20% or $5 minimum
Bars: $1-2 per drink
💡 Pro Tip: Always check for auto-gratuity on large parties!
Restaurants often add 18-20% gratuity for groups of 6+. Check your receipt carefully so you don't double-tip.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Tipping on the Tax
Calculate your tip based on the SUBTOTAL (pre-tax), not the total including tax. You don't need to tip on the tax. This isn't dishonest—it's standard practice and how restaurants calculate suggested tips on the receipt.
Reviewed by David Chen, CFA
Financial Etiquette Expert
David has calculated thousands of tips (and yes, he always rounds up).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
In the US, 15-20% is standard. Bad service? 10-15%. Great service? 20%+. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out—servers literally get paid $2-3/hour before tips.
Should I tip on takeout orders?
Not required, but $1-2 or 10% is thoughtful. Someone still packed your food and checked the order. It's different from delivery—you're not tipping for service, just for the effort.
How do I split a bill with tip?
Calculate the total (bill + tip), then divide by number of people. Don't be that person who calculates their 'exact share' down to the penny. Just split it evenly unless someone ordered way more.