Tipping customs vary significantly by country and service type. In the United States, a tip of 15–20% is standard at sit-down restaurants for good service, with 20–25% for excellent service. In the UK, 10–12.5% is common, and many restaurants add a discretionary service charge automatically. In most of Europe, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is typical. In Japan, tipping is generally not practised and may be considered rude.
Tip amount = Bill × Tip % ÷ 100
Total = Bill + Tip amount
For a $65 bill with an 18% tip: tip = $65 × 18 ÷ 100 = $11.70. Total = $65 + $11.70 = $76.70.
| Service type | Typical tip (US) |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15–20% |
| Food delivery | 10–15% |
| Bartender | 15–20% |
| Taxi / rideshare | 10–15% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 per night |
| Hair salon | 15–20% |
| Takeaway / counter service | 0–10% |
Tipping on the pre-tax amount is technically correct and the standard recommendation in most etiquette guides. However, the difference on a typical restaurant bill is small — on a $60 pre-tax bill with 8% sales tax, the post-tax total is $64.80. A 20% tip on $60 is $12.00 versus $12.96 on $64.80 — a difference of under $1. In practice, most people tip on the total shown on the bill.
In the US, credit card receipts typically show a suggested tip line with amounts pre-calculated at 18%, 20%, and 22% of the bill. These suggestions are calculated on the post-tax total at most restaurants. You are free to write any amount — or zero — regardless of the suggestions printed.
Multiply your bill by 0.20, or take 10% of the bill and double it. For a $45 bill: 10% is $4.50, doubled is $9.00 tip. Total = $54.
In the United States, 15–20% is standard for sit-down restaurant service. 20% has become the new baseline for good service in most cities. Below 15% typically signals dissatisfaction with the service.
Tipping on the pre-tax amount is the traditional recommendation, but the difference is small. Most people tip on the total shown on the bill for simplicity.
In the US, not tipping at a sit-down restaurant is considered rude and leaves the server short of expected income. In countries where tipping is optional or not customary, it is not expected. Always research local customs when travelling.
15% of $50 is $7.50, making the total $57.50. A quick mental shortcut: 10% of $50 is $5, half of that is $2.50, added together gives $7.50.