Tip & Bill Split Calculator

The standard tipping range for sit-down table dining in the United States is 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill. 15% is customary for adequate service, 18% for good attentive service, and 20% or higher for exceptional hospitality and dining care.

Etiquette authorities and financial advisors universally recommend calculating tips on the pre-tax food and beverage subtotal. Sales taxes go directly to state and municipal governments; tipping on the post-tax total unnecessarily inflates your gratuity by 8% to 11% in high-tax jurisdictions.

For takeout carryout where you pick up the food from the counter, tipping is optional; 0% to 10% or rounding up to the nearest dollar is standard. For delivery drivers, tip 15% to 20% with a minimum threshold of $3 to $5, increasing to $5 to $10 during inclement weather or peak rush hours.

Under federal IRS guidelines, a voluntary tip is freely determined and distributed to tipped employees. A mandatory service charge (such as an automatic 18% fee for large parties or a 4% wellness fee) is the legal property of the employer, who may choose how much, if any, is shared with the waitstaff.

For casual dining with minor bill differences, splitting the total check evenly across all diners is customary. However, if some guests ordered expensive alcoholic beverages or premium cuts while others had appetizers or water, etiquette dictates itemizing drinks and entrees individually and prorating tax and tip proportionally.