Tipping Etiquette
Restaurants
The standard tip for good service in US restaurants is 18–20%. For exceptional service, 25% is common. Buffet service usually warrants 10–15%.
Large Groups
Many restaurants automatically add an 18% gratuity (service charge) for groups of 6 or more. Always check your bill before adding an extra tip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tip on the tax?
Standard etiquette suggests calculating the tip based on the pre-tax subtotal, though many people tip on the final total for simplicity. Our calculator handles either number easily.
How does the calculator handle fractional pennies when splitting?
To ensure the total collected always covers the exact bill without shorting the waiter, our engine uses a ceiling split. Any fractional remainder (e.g., a third of a penny) is safely rounded up to the nearest whole cent per person.
What if the service was bad?
Instead of skipping the tip entirely (which might be mistaken for forgetfulness), leaving a 10% tip sends a clearer message that the service was subpar.
Does this calculator save my data?
No. All calculations happen instantly in your browser. We do not store, track, or transmit your bill amounts.