How to Calculate a Tip

Tipping is standard practice in the United States for sit-down restaurants, bars, delivery drivers, and personal services. The standard range is 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill, with 20% being the most common baseline for good service.

The Formula

Tip = Bill Amount x (Tip % / 100)

For example, a $75 dinner with a 20% tip: $75 x 0.20 = $15 tip, making your total $90.

Quick Mental Math Trick

To calculate 20% in your head, move the decimal one place left (that gives you 10%), then double it. For a $63 bill: 10% is $6.30, doubled is $12.60. Done.

When to Tip More or Less

• 15% -- adequate service, nothing exceptional
• 18-20% -- solid, standard service at a sit-down restaurant
• 25%+ -- outstanding service, large parties, or complex orders
• Delivery -- $3 to $5 minimum, or 15-20% of the order total, whichever is higher
• Takeout -- tipping is optional but appreciated, typically 10%

Splitting the Bill

When splitting a check with friends, calculate the tip on the full bill first, then divide the total (bill + tip) by the number of people. This avoids the common mistake of tipping on already-split amounts, which shorts the server.