Ultimate Guide to Tipping
Tipping can be confusing, but our tip calculator makes it easy to determine the right amount for any service. Whether you're dining at a restaurant, ordering delivery, or using personal services, knowing how much to tip ensures good service and shows appreciation for quality work.
Our calculator not only computes tips but also splits bills evenly among your group, making it perfect for dining with friends or family gatherings.
Tip Calculator Features
- Calculate tips for any percentage
- Split bills among multiple people
- Service-specific recommendations
- Alternative tip amount suggestions
Tipping Guidelines by Service Type
Restaurant Dining
Standard tipping for full-service restaurants based on service quality.
- Poor service: 10-12%
- Average service: 15-17%
- Good service: 18-20%
- Excellent service: 22-25%
Food Delivery
Delivery tips considering distance, weather, and order size.
- Standard delivery: $3-5 or 15-20%
- Large orders: 20-25%
- Bad weather: Add extra $2-5
- Long distance: 20-25%
Bar Service
Tipping guidelines for bartenders and bar service.
- Per drink: $1-2
- Tab under $50: 20%
- Tab over $50: 15-18%
- Specialty cocktails: $2-3 per drink
Rideshare/Taxi
Transportation tipping for rides and taxi services.
- Standard ride: 15-20%
- Airport trips: 20-25%
- Help with luggage: Add $1-2
- Long distance: 20%
Personal Services
Salon, spa, and personal care service tipping.
- Haircut: 15-20%
- Massage: 15-20%
- Manicure/Pedicure: 15-20%
- Exceptional service: 25%
Hotel Services
Hotel staff and hospitality service tipping.
- Bellhop: $1-2 per bag
- Housekeeping: $2-5 per night
- Concierge: $5-20 for special help
- Room service: 15-20%
How to Use the Tip Calculator
- Enter Bill Amount: Input the total bill amount before tip
- Select Tip Percentage: Choose from quick suggestions or enter a custom percentage
- Set Number of People: Enter how many people are splitting the bill
- Choose Service Type: Select the type of service for customized recommendations
- Calculate: View tip amount, total cost, and per-person breakdown
- Review Alternatives: See different tip percentage options for comparison
Tipping Etiquette and Best Practices
When to Tip More
- Exceptional service that goes above and beyond
- Complex or special requests handled well
- During busy times or holidays
- When you're a regular customer
- In expensive restaurants or high-end services
- Bad weather conditions for delivery
When to Tip Less
- Poor service with no attempt to improve
- Rude or unprofessional behavior
- Significant mistakes that affect your experience
- Counter service or takeout orders
- Self-service establishments
- When service charges are already included
International Tipping Customs
United States
- Restaurants: 18-25%
- Delivery: $3-5 or 15-20%
- Taxis: 15-20%
- Hotels: $1-5 per service
Europe
- Restaurants: 10-15% or round up
- Service charges often included
- Smaller tips are acceptable
- Cash preferred over card tips
Asia
- Japan: Tipping can be offensive
- China: Generally not expected
- Southeast Asia: Small tips appreciated
- Tourist areas: Western standards apply
Bill Splitting Made Easy
Splitting bills among friends doesn't have to be complicated. Our calculator automatically divides the total amount (including tip) by the number of people, ensuring everyone pays their fair share.
Tips for Group Dining
- Agree on tip percentage before ordering
- Use our calculator to avoid math errors
- Round up to the nearest dollar for convenience
- Consider separate checks for very different orders
- Account for shared appetizers and drinks
- Be transparent about the calculation
- Have one person handle the payment and calculation
- Use mobile payment apps for easy splitting
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?
Most etiquette experts recommend tipping on the pre-tax amount, but tipping on the total (post-tax) is also acceptable and ensures your server receives a bit more.
Is it okay to tip less for poor service?
Yes, tips should reflect service quality. However, consider if issues were due to kitchen delays or management problems rather than your server's performance.
Should I tip for takeout orders?
Tipping for takeout is optional but appreciated. 10-15% is common for complex orders or when extra service is provided.
How do I handle automatic gratuity charges?
Automatic gratuity (usually 18-20% for large groups) covers the tip. Additional tipping is optional unless service was exceptional.