How to Calculate a Tip (and How Much to Tip by Country)
Work out a tip in your head in seconds, decide whether to tip before or after tax, and see what's customary in the US, UK and Europe with a country-by-country table.
Last updated: September 2026
Working out a tip is quick once you know the trick: a tip is just a percentage of the bill, so the whole game is finding 10%, 15% or 20% in your head — and knowing what is customary where you are.
The mental shortcut
To find 10%, move the decimal point one place to the left: 10% of $46.80 is $4.68. From there, 20% is simply double that ($9.36), and 15% is 10% plus half of it ($4.68 + $2.34 = $7.02). Round to whatever feels right.
Tip before or after tax?
In most places the customary move is to tip on the pre-tax total, but many people tip on the final bill for speed. On a small bill the difference is a few cents, so do whichever keeps things easy. The tip calculator lets you enter the exact amount you want to base it on and shows the tip, the total and the amount per person as you type.
How much to tip by country
Tipping customs vary enormously. In the US it is expected and staff often rely on it; across much of Europe service is included and a tip is a courtesy; in Japan tipping is not customary at all. Typical restaurant tipping:
| Country | Customary tip |
|---|---|
| United States | 15–20% (expected) |
| Canada | 15–20% (expected) |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% (check for service charge) |
| Ireland | 10–15% |
| Germany | round up, ~5–10% |
| Netherlands | round up, ~5–10% |
| France | service included; round up |
| Italy | service often included; round up |
| Spain | small change / round up |
| Australia | optional, ~10% for great service |
| Japan | no tipping |
Typical ranges for table service; customs change and vary by venue — when in doubt, check the bill for a service charge. Sources: Visual Capitalist and NBC News worldwide tipping guides.
Splitting the bill fairly
When several people share a meal, add the tip first, then divide. Because money rounds to the cent, an even split can leave an odd cent — one person can cover it, or round up and leave a little extra. The bill split calculator does this for any number of people in one step.
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