How much should you tip?
These are the Emily Post Institute's guidelines. For sit-down service, 15 – 20% of the bill before tax is the traditional range.
| Service | Suggested tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant, sit-down | 15 – 20%, pre-tax |
| Restaurant, buffet | 10%, pre-tax |
| Takeout | No obligation; 10% for extra service or a large, complicated order |
| Delivery | 10 – 15% of the bill; $2 – $5 for pizza |
| Bartender | $1 – $2 a drink, or 15 – 20% of the tab |
Source Emily Post Institute · Tipping Etiquette 101 ↗
How to calculate a tip
Here it is with your numbers:
- Turn the tip into a decimal: 20 ÷ 100 = 0.2.
- Multiply: $64.50 × 0.2 = $12.90 tip.
- Add the tip to the bill: $64.50 + $12.90 = $77.40.
- Split between 2: $77.40 ÷ 2 = $38.70 each.
It means you leave $12.90 on top of the $64.50 bill, and each of you pays $38.70.
Source Microsoft Support · Calculate percentages ↗Emily Post Institute · Finer points of tipping ↗
Tip examples
Common tips on your bill
| Tip | Tip amount | Total | Each person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10%You | $6.45 | $70.95 | $35.47 – $35.48 |
| 15%You | $9.68 | $74.18 | $37.09 |
| 18%You | $11.61 | $76.11 | $38.05 – $38.06 |
| 20%You | $12.90 | $77.40 | $38.70 |
| 22%You | $14.19 | $78.69 | $39.34 – $39.35 |
| 25%You | $16.13 | $80.63 | $40.31 – $40.32 |
Splitting the bill fairly
A total doesn't always divide evenly. $72.13 between 3 people is $24.0433 each, and nobody can pay a third of a cent. So two people pay $24.04 and one pays $24.05, and the shares add up to exactly $72.13. The calculator does this for you and tells you who pays the extra cent.
Paying cash? Open "Tip before tax and rounding" and choose to round the total, or each person's share, up to whole dollars. The tip goes up slightly and the page shows the new percent.
FAQs
How do you calculate a tip?
Multiply the bill by the tip percent as a decimal. A 20% tip on a $60 bill is 0.20 × 60 = $12, so you pay $72 in total.
How do you calculate a 20 percent tip?
Find 10% by moving the decimal point one place left, then double it. On $64.50, 10% is $6.45, so 20% is $12.90.
How do you work out a tip percentage?
Divide the tip by the bill, then multiply by 100. A $12 tip on a $60 bill is 12 ÷ 60 = 0.2, which is 20%.
Do you tip before or after tax?
The Emily Post Institute says it is acceptable to tip on the pre-tax amount of the bill. Open "Tip before tax and rounding" above and enter the tax to see the difference.
How much should you tip for takeout?
There's no obligation. The Emily Post Institute suggests 10% for extra service, such as curbside delivery, or a large, complicated order.
How much should you tip for delivery?
The Emily Post Institute suggests 10 – 15% of the bill, or $2 – $5 for pizza delivery depending on the size of the order and how difficult the delivery is.
Sources
- Emily Post Institute: Tipping Etiquette 101
- Emily Post Institute: Finer points of tipping
- Microsoft Support: Calculate percentages