How to work out a tip
A tip is a percentage of the bill. Multiply the bill by the percentage and divide by 100: an $84.50 bill with an 18% tip is 84.50 × 0.18 = $15.21, for a total of $99.71. To split it, divide the total by the number of people. This calculator does all of that as you type and works in whole cents, so the shares always add up to the exact total. When the total does not divide evenly, it tells you how many people need to pay the extra cent.
Quick mental math
- 10%: move the decimal point one place left. $84.50 becomes $8.45.
- 20%: double the 10% figure. $8.45 × 2 = $16.90.
- 15%: take 10% and add half of it again. $8.45 + $4.23 = $12.68.
- 18%: take 20% and subtract 2% (a fifth of 10%). $16.90 − $1.69 = $15.21.
How much should I tip?
Customs vary a lot by country. In the United States, 15 to 20% of the pre-tax bill is normal for table service, with 18 to 20% now common in cities. Many restaurants in Europe, Australia and Japan include service in the price, and leaving a small amount or rounding up is enough. Check the bill before you tip: some places add a service charge automatically, especially for large groups, and tipping on top of it is optional.
Rounding options
Rounding up the total rounds the whole bill up to the next dollar, which is handy when one person pays by card. Rounding up per person rounds every person's share up to the next dollar, which makes paying in cash easier. In both cases the extra goes to the tip, and the calculator shows the effective tip percentage next to the tip amount.
