Ad space · 320×100 · replace with your ad code once approved
How to Settle the Check
Enter the subtotal, pick a gratuity percentage (or set your own), and how many guests are splitting it. Every value updates the moment you change something — no "calculate" button needed.
Standard Gratuity Guide
Counter service / takeout
0–10%
Casual sit-down
15–18%
Full-service dinner
18–20%
Exceptional service
20–25%
These reflect common U.S. norms — customs vary by country, so treat this as a starting point, not a rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tip before or after tax?
Tipping on the pre-tax subtotal is the more traditional approach, though plenty of people just tip on the total for simplicity — the difference is usually only a dollar or two.
Do I need to tip on takeout or counter service?
It's optional and typically lower than sit-down dining. Anywhere from 0–10% is standard, and a lot of people just round up to the nearest dollar instead of calculating a percentage.
What if the service was bad?
Most etiquette guides suggest not dropping below 10% even for disappointing service, since servers in the U.S. are often paid a reduced base wage that assumes tip income will cover the rest.
How should we split the bill if everyone ordered differently?
An even split is the simplest option, and it's what this calculator does. If orders were very different in price, some groups prefer splitting by item instead — you can still use this calculator on each person's individual subtotal if you'd rather do it that way.
Is tipping required in the United States?
No law requires it, but it's a strong cultural expectation at restaurants specifically, tied to how tipped minimum wage works for service staff.
Does this calculator save or share my numbers?
No. Everything runs in your browser — nothing is sent to a server or stored anywhere, on this page or anywhere else on the site.
Ad space · 300×250 · replace with your ad code once approved