Free tip calculator for restaurants, hotels, rideshare, and any service. Calculate tip amount, split the bill between any number of people, and see the exact amount each person owes — no math required.
Calculate tip & split the bill
Tipping in the United States is deeply ingrained in service culture, yet many people still find themselves fumbling with mental math at the end of a meal. The standard tip percentage for sit-down restaurant service in the USA in 2026 is 18%–20%, up from the historic norm of 15% that prevailed through most of the 20th century. This shift reflects rising service-industry wages, inflation, and changing social expectations. A tip calculator eliminates the guesswork entirely — just enter the bill, select a percentage, and split instantly.
The fastest manual tip calculation method: move the decimal point one place left to find 10%, then double it for 20%. Example: a $47.50 bill — 10% is $4.75, so 20% is $9.50. For 15%, find 10% ($4.75) and add half again ($2.38) for $7.13 total tip. But why do math when a free tip calculator gives you the exact split in seconds?
Tipping etiquette in the US varies significantly by service type. For sit-down restaurants, 18%–22% is the current standard; the pre-tip subtotal is the base (before tax), though many people simply tip on the total for convenience. For counter-service or fast casual (ordering at a counter, picking up yourself), 10%–15% is appropriate if you choose to tip at all — the social pressure to tip has increased with digital payment screens, but counter service tipping remains genuinely optional. Delivery apps typically expect 15%–20%, with a minimum of $3–$5 for short distances regardless of the percentage.
Hotel tipping has specific customs: housekeeping $2–$5 per night (left daily, as staff rotate), bellhop $1–$2 per bag, concierge $5–$20 for special service, valet $2–$5 when retrieving your car. Taxi and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) drivers typically receive 15%–20%. Hair salons: 15%–20% for your stylist, $2–$5 for shampoo assistants. Spa services: 15%–20%. Furniture/appliance delivery: $5–$20 per person depending on difficulty.
One important nuance: should you tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount? Traditionally, etiquette guides say tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since the server didn't earn the sales tax. In practice, the difference is small (on a $50 pre-tax bill at 8% sales tax = $54 total, 20% tip difference is only $0.80), and most Americans tip on the total bill for simplicity. Either approach is socially acceptable.
Splitting bills between multiple people is where tip calculators really shine. Whether you're splitting evenly or trying to figure out who owes what, this calculator handles it instantly. For groups, consider that many US restaurants add a mandatory 18%–20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more — always check your receipt before adding an additional tip.
Sit-down restaurants: 18–22%. Counter service: 0–15% optional. Delivery: 15–20% (min $3–5). Rideshare: 15–20%. Hair salon: 15–20%. Hotel housekeeping: $2–5/night.
Bartender: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of tab. Tattoo artist: 15–20%. Movers: $20–50 per person. Tour guide: $5–10 per person. Food truck: tip jar is optional but appreciated.
Use this calculator's "number of people" field for even splits. For uneven splits, calculate individually. For large groups, confirm whether an automatic gratuity has been added to your bill.
In the USA, tips received by service workers are taxable income under IRS rules. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act extended provisions, some tip income may be excludable — consult your tax advisor for current rules.