Splitting a bill shouldn't be the hardest part of a dinner. We built this simple utility to ensure your hospitality math is fast, fair, and respectful.
1. Tipping Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax
Mathematical accuracy matters. In many regions, sales tax can add 8% to 15% to your bill. Tipping on the Pre-Tax Subtotal is the standard industry recommendation. Our calculator uses the subtotal to ensure you aren't paying a "tip on a tax," unless you choose to do so.
2. Global Etiquette Standards
- United States: 18-20% is standard. Below 15% often signals poor service.
- Europe: A "Service Charge" is often included. An additional 5-10% is polite but not required.
- Japan/South Korea: Tipping is generally not practiced and can even be considered offensive in some contexts.
- Australia: Tipping is not expected, but 10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
3. Auto-Gratuity & Large Parties
Most restaurants apply a mandatory "Auto-Gratuity" (typically 18%) for groups of 6 or more. Always check your receipt before adding an additional tip to avoid double-tipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount? ▶
The industry standard is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal. Tipping on the post-tax amount means you are essentially paying a tip on a government tax, which is not required but often appreciated by servers.
What is a fair tip for good service in the US? ▶
In the United States, 18% to 20% is considered the standard for good to excellent service. 15% is the baseline for acceptable service, while anything below that may indicate dissatisfaction.
What is "Auto-Gratuity"? ▶
Auto-gratuity is a mandatory tip automatically added to the bill by the restaurant, usually for large parties (typically 6 or more people). Always check your bill to see if it has already been applied.
Do I need to tip for takeout orders? ▶
Tipping on takeout is not as strictly required as sit-down service. However, a 10% tip is a kind gesture for the staff who prepared and packaged your meal, especially for large or complex orders.
Is tipping common in Europe? ▶
In many European countries, a service charge is already included in the bill. While not required, rounding up the bill or leaving an additional 5-10% for exceptional service is a common and polite practice.
