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

Most people tip on the pre-tax subtotal, but either is acceptable. On a $100 bill with 10% tax ($10), the difference between tipping on $100 vs $110 at 20% is only $2 ($20 vs $22). Use pre-tax for the most common approach.

How much do you tip for delivery?

For restaurant delivery, tip 15–20% of the order total or a minimum of $3–5, whichever is higher. On a $40 delivery order, $6–8 (15–20%) is typical. Tipping higher for large orders or difficult weather is customary.

What is an appropriate tip for a haircut?

15–20% of the service cost is standard for a haircut. On a $50 haircut, that's $7.50–$10. If your stylist is also the salon owner, tipping is optional but appreciated.

How do I calculate 18% tip quickly in my head?

Move the decimal to find 10% ($8.50 on an $85 bill), then add half of that for 5% ($4.25), giving 15% ($12.75). Add a bit more for 18% — roughly $15.30. Or just use this calculator.

Tip Calculator | KalkWise

By the KalkWise Editorial Team Reviewed for accuracy Updated June 2026

What is the tip calculator?

In short

To calculate a tip, multiply your pre-tax bill by the tip percentage and divide by 100. For an 18% tip on a $85 restaurant bill: $85 × 0.18 = $15.30 tip, making the total $100.30. Split between 3 people, each pays $33.43.

This tip calculator instantly computes the tip amount, total bill, and per-person share for any party size. Choose from preset tip percentages (15%, 18%, 20%, 25%) or enter a custom rate — and use the +/- stepper to split among 1–20 people.

How to use this calculator

1Enter the bill amount (pre-tax is most common; post-tax also works).
2Select a tip percentage or choose Custom and type your own.
3Use the +/- buttons to set the number of people splitting the bill.
4Read the tip amount, total bill, and per-person amounts instantly.

The formula

tip=bill×tip%

per person=bill+tippeople

Tip = bill × tip%. Total = bill + tip. Per person = total ÷ number of people.

bill: — The bill amount before tip
tip%: — Tip percentage (e.g. 18 for 18%)
people: — Number of people splitting the bill
per person: — Total (bill + tip) divided by number of people

Worked example

The scenario

Dinner bill of $120, 20% tip, split among 4 people.

gives

The result

Tip: $24. Total: $144. Each person pays $36. If one person doesn't drink alcohol ($30 less food), you can adjust their share manually — the calculator gives you the even-split baseline.

Common use cases

Splitting a restaurant bill fairly among a group
Calculating a tip for delivery, haircut, taxi, or hotel services
Verifying a suggested tip amount on a receipt
Teaching tipping etiquette to someone new to the US

Limitations & assumptions

Assumes even split — does not handle unequal shares.
Does not account for automatic gratuities (often added for groups of 6+).
Bill amount should be entered before applying any discounts or coupons.

Frequently asked questions

The standard in the US is 15–20% for sit-down restaurants. 15% is acceptable for average service, 18–20% is standard, and 25%+ is for exceptional service. For takeout, 10–15% is common.

Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

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