Restaurant Tip Calculator
Handles auto-gratuity, pre-tax tipping, and party splits.
Large party?Check your receipt for an automatic gratuity line (usually 18–20% for parties of 6+). If it's there, you've already tipped — add more only for exceptional service.
Enter a bill amount above to see the tip
Restaurant Tipping in the US
Restaurant servers in the US typically earn a lower base wage (as low as $2.13/hour federally, though many states require higher), with tips making up the majority of their income. The standard range is 15–20%, calculated on the pre-tax or after-tax bill depending on your preference.
Tip Percentage Guide
- 10% — Noticeably poor service
- 15% — Adequate service, standard minimum
- 18% — Good service, solid standard
- 20% — Excellent service, common today
- 22–25%+ — Outstanding service or complex meal
When Automatic Gratuity Is Already Included
Many restaurants add a mandatory service charge (18–20%) for parties of 6 or more, or at certain venues. This line may appear as "auto-gratuity," "service charge," or "gratuity included." If it's on your receipt, you do not owe an additional tip — though you may add one.
Use the Advanced options → Service Chargefield to exclude this amount from the tip base so you don't double-tip.
Splitting the Check at a Restaurant
Use the Split Between counter to divide the bill evenly. Enable Round up to $1 in Advanced options for easy cash splits — everyone pays a round dollar amount and the server gets a fair tip.
Pre-Tax vs. After-Tax at Restaurants
Sales tax at US restaurants averages 6–10% depending on the state. Tipping on pre-tax saves a few dollars on larger bills. Toggle Pre-tax tippingin Advanced options and enter your state's sales tax rate to see the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip at a restaurant?
15–20% is the US standard. 15% for adequate service, 18% for good, 20% for excellent. Always check if gratuity is already included for large parties.
What is automatic gratuity?
Automatic gratuity (auto-gratuity) is a mandatory service charge, usually 18–20%, added for large parties. It is not optional. You are not required to add an additional tip.
Should I tip on the pre-tax amount at a restaurant?
Many etiquette experts say pre-tax is correct since tax isn't part of the service. However, most people tip on the after-tax total for simplicity. Both are fine. Use the Advanced options to calculate both.
How do I tip when splitting the check?
Use the Split Between counter in this calculator. Tip first on the full bill, then divide total + tip equally. Avoid tipping only on your share of the food to ensure the server receives a fair gratuity.