Guides · 2026-06-24
How Much Should You Tip? A Simple Guide (and Bill-Splitting Tips)
Clear tipping guidelines for restaurants, cafés, and services, plus how to split a bill fairly — with a free calculator to do the math.
Tipping can feel confusing — how much, on what amount, and who covers it when a group splits the bill? Here are simple guidelines and a quick way to do the math.
Standard tipping rates (US)
- Restaurants with table service: 15–20% of the bill is standard; 18% is a safe default.
- Exceptional service: 20–25%.
- Bars: around $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% on a tab.
- Cafés and takeout: optional — rounding up or a small tip is common.
- Delivery: 10–15%, more in bad weather or for large orders.
Pre-tax or post-tax?
Traditionally you tip on the pre-tax amount, though many people simply tip on the total for convenience. Either is acceptable; the difference is usually small. What matters most is tipping fairly for the service you received.
Tipping around the world
Customs vary widely. In much of Europe and Asia, a service charge may already be included, and tipping is modest or optional. In some countries it's not expected at all. When you travel, check the bill for an included service charge and follow local norms rather than applying US-style percentages everywhere.
Splitting the bill fairly
The simplest approach is an even split: add the tip to the bill and divide by the number of people. For very uneven orders, each person can pay for their own items plus an equal share of the tip. When it's close, an even split keeps things friendly and fast.
Let the calculator do it
The free Tip Calculator works out the tip and total and splits it between any number of people — tap a preset percentage and you're done, even offline.