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.

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

United States and Canada

Tipping is expected for table service: 15–20% is standard, with 18–20% common for good service. Staff are often paid a lower base wage on the assumption that tips make up the difference, so leaving nothing sends a strong message.

United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia

Around 10–12.5% is typical in the UK when a service charge is not already added — always check the bill first. In Australia tipping is optional and more of a bonus for great service, often about 10%.

Continental Europe

Service is usually included by law, so a tip is a small courtesy rather than an obligation. Rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France.

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.