1. Start with the subtotal
Restaurant tips are usually based on the food and drink subtotal before tax. If all you have is the final receipt total, you can still use it, but subtotal is the cleaner benchmark.
Your bill summary
Tax amount$0.00
Tip amount$0.00
Total after tip$0.00
Per person$0.00
Fast rule of thumb
To estimate a 20% tip in your head, move the decimal one place left for 10%, then double it. Example: a $47 bill gives you about $9.40.
How to use this calculator well
Most tip mistakes happen because people mix up subtotal, tax, auto-gratuity, and group splitting. This tool keeps those pieces separate so the number feels fair instead of random.
2. Check for auto-gratuity
Some restaurants add gratuity automatically for large groups or special events. If that line is already on the bill, you usually should not add a full second tip on top.
3. Split after tax and tip
If everyone shared the meal fairly evenly, calculate tax and tip first, then divide the final total by the number of diners. That is usually the least awkward method.
Quick tip examples
Use these examples as a sanity check if you just want to know whether the number on screen feels about right.
| Bill subtotal | 15% tip | 18% tip | 20% tip | 22% tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | $3.75 | $4.50 | $5.00 | $5.50 |
| $40 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $8.80 |
| $60 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $13.20 |
| $85 | $12.75 | $15.30 | $17.00 | $18.70 |
| $120 | $18.00 | $21.60 | $24.00 | $26.40 |
What is a reasonable tip?
There is no universal rule for every service, but these ranges cover the most common U.S. expectations without overcomplicating it.
| Situation | Usual range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18% to 20% | 20% is the most common easy default for solid service. |
| Great restaurant service | 20% to 22% | Use the high end when the server was attentive, accurate, and efficient. |
| Bar drinks | $1 to $2 per drink or 15% to 20% | Either method is normal depending on how the bill is structured. |
| Food delivery | $3 to $5 minimum or 10% to 15% | Distance, weather, and order size matter more here than tax math. |
| Coffee / counter service | Optional, often spare change to 10% | Less standardized than full table service. |
| Large party with auto-gratuity | Usually already included | Check the receipt before adding more. |
How to split a bill without it getting weird
If everyone ordered about the same
Add tax and tip to the whole check, then divide by the number of people. It is simple, fast, and usually close enough for a group dinner.
If one person ordered much more
Split by item first, then calculate tip from each person’s share. That keeps the big spender from being subsidized by the salad-and-water person.
If somebody used rewards or coupons
Agree first on whether the discount is shared by the table or belongs to the person who earned it. The fairest answer depends on the group.
If the restaurant added service charges
Read the receipt carefully. Service charge, hospitality charge, and gratuity do not always mean the same thing, and the staff may explain how it is handled.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tip on the pre-tax amount or the total with tax?
Pre-tax subtotal is the standard benchmark in most U.S. restaurants. Some people tip on the full total for convenience, but subtotal is still the cleaner rule.
What is a standard restaurant tip in 2026?
For sit-down service, 18% to 20% is still the normal range. If service was especially strong, 20% to 22% is a common way to show that.
What if gratuity is already included?
If the receipt already includes gratuity, you generally do not need to add a full second tip. Some people add a little extra for exceptional service, but that is optional.
How should I split a restaurant bill fairly?
If the table ordered roughly evenly, calculate tax and tip once and divide the final amount. If one person ordered far more, split by items first and then add tip to each share.
Related guides
A little more help if you need a rule of thumb instead of a calculator.