How Tipping Math Works
A tip is just a percentage of the bill: multiply the bill by the tip rate (as a decimal) and add it to the total. The only real decisions are what percentage to leave and how to split the check fairly when dining with friends.
Standard Tipping Rates
- Restaurants (US): 15–20% for good service, 20–25% for excellent service.
- Bars: $1–2 per drink, or 15–20% of the tab.
- Delivery: 10–20% depending on distance and weather.
- Large groups: many restaurants add an automatic 18–20% gratuity for parties of 6+.
Splitting the Bill
The fair way: divide the total including tip by the number of people. If someone ordered far more (or far less) than everyone else, split the pre-tip bill by item and apply the tip percentage to each share. The calculator above does the even split instantly — just set the number of people.
Quick Mental Math
To estimate 20% fast: find 10% (move the decimal one place left) and double it. A $46 bill? 10% is $4.60, so 20% is about $9.20. For exact figures — especially split checks — use the calculator above or our percentage calculator.