Quick Answer

A $50 bill with a 20% tip comes to $60 total, with a $10 tip. Split between 2 people, that is $30 per person.

Bill Amount ($)

Tip Percentage (%)

Split Between (people, optional)

Common Examples

Input	Result
$50 bill, 20% tip	$10 tip, $60 total
$85 bill, 18% tip	$15.30 tip, $100.30 total
$120 bill, 15% tip, 3 people	$18 tip, $46 per person
$200 bill, 25% tip, 4 people	$50 tip, $62.50 per person
$35 bill, 20% tip	$7 tip, $42 total

How It Works

The Formula

Tip calculation uses a straightforward percentage formula:

Tip Amount = Bill Amount x (Tip Percentage / 100)

Total with Tip = Bill Amount + Tip Amount

Per Person = Total with Tip / Number of People

Tip per Person = Tip Amount / Number of People

Where:

• Bill Amount = the pre-tip total on the check or receipt
• Tip Percentage = the desired tip rate (commonly 15% to 25%)
• Number of People = how many diners are splitting the total (default 1 for no split)

Standard Tip Percentages

In the United States, restaurant tips typically follow these conventions: 15% for adequate service, 18% for good service, 20% for very good service, and 25% or more for exceptional service. Many restaurants add automatic gratuity of 18% to 20% for large parties (usually 6 or more guests). For takeout orders, tipping is less standardized, with 10% to 15% being common.

Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Tipping

Traditionally, tips are calculated on the pre-tax subtotal. However, many people calculate the tip on the total bill including tax for convenience. The difference is typically small. On a $100 meal with 8% tax, tipping 20% on the pre-tax amount ($20) versus the post-tax amount ($21.60) differs by only $1.60.

Tipping Outside the United States

Tipping customs vary widely around the world. Many countries include a service charge in the bill, making additional tipping unnecessary or optional. In Japan, tipping is generally not expected and may even be considered rude. In much of Europe, a small additional tip of 5% to 10% is common but not required. Always check local customs when dining abroad.

Worked Example

For a $50 bill with a 20% tip split between 2 people: Tip amount = $50 x (20 / 100) = $50 x 0.20 = $10. Total with tip = $50 + $10 = $60. Per person = $60 / 2 = $30. Tip per person = $10 / 2 = $5. Each person pays $30, which includes their $25 share of the bill and $5 share of the tip.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good tip percentage?

In the United States, 18% to 20% is considered a good tip for sit-down restaurant service. 15% is the typical minimum for adequate service, and 25% or more is appropriate for exceptional service. For counter service or takeout, 10% to 15% is common.

Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax bill amount?

Either approach is acceptable. Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is traditional, while tipping on the post-tax total is simpler to calculate. The difference is usually small, typically a few cents to a couple of dollars.

How much should I tip for delivery?

For food delivery, a tip of 15% to 20% is standard, with a minimum of $3 to $5. For large or complex orders, or deliveries during severe weather, a higher tip is customary.

Is it better to tip in cash or on a card?

Both methods are acceptable. Some servers prefer cash tips because they receive them immediately. Credit card tips are processed through the restaurant's payroll system. The most important factor is the tip amount, not the method.

How do I quickly estimate a tip in my head?

For 20%, move the decimal point one place left (that gives 10%) and double it. For a $45 bill: 10% is $4.50, doubled to $9 for a 20% tip. For 15%, calculate 10% and add half of that. For $45: $4.50 + $2.25 = $6.75.