Restaurant Tip Calculator
Calculate a restaurant tip from the pre-tax subtotal and service quality — 18-20% is standard, with automatic-gratuity checks for large parties.
Enter an amount above to see the tip and total.
Restaurant servers in the US typically earn most of their income from tips. The standard is 18-20%, with 22%+ for exceptional service.
- •Calculate tip on pre-tax amount
- •Consider tipping more for large groups
- •Some restaurants add automatic gratuity for parties of 6+
How Much Should You Tip at a Restaurant?
The standard tip for restaurant services is 20% of the total cost. For average service, 15% is acceptable. For exceptional service, consider tipping 22% or more.
Restaurant Tipping Guide
Factors to Consider
When deciding how much to tip for restaurant services, consider these factors:
- Calculate tip on pre-tax amount
- Consider tipping more for large groups
- Some restaurants add automatic gratuity for parties of 6+
Restaurant Tipping Etiquette
Restaurant servers in the US typically earn most of their income from tips. The standard is 18-20%, with 22%+ for exceptional service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you tip at a restaurant?
The standard tip at restaurants in the US is 18-20% of the pre-tax bill. For excellent service, tip 22-25%. For poor service, 15% is acceptable.
Should I tip on the total with tax?
Traditionally, you should calculate the tip on the pre-tax subtotal, though many people tip on the total for convenience.
Is it okay to tip less for bad service?
You can tip 15% or less for poor service, but consider speaking with management if service was truly unacceptable.
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Written and maintained by the CalculateTip.io Editorial Team. Last reviewed by the CalculateTip.io Editorial Team. Rates shown are editorial guidance based on common US practice, not official rules — local customs and platform policies vary.
Sources: Emily Post Institute tipping guidance · U.S. Department of Labor — tipped employee wages · CalculateTip.io editorial guidance based on common US practice; local customs and platform policies vary