Tip Calculator: Tips & How-Tos

Best Practices

Tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total. In the US, tipping on the pre-tax amount is the conventional standard and reduces the tip amount slightly. If the calculator shows a subtotal field, use that rather than the tax-inclusive total.
Know the baseline for the type of service. Sit-down restaurants: 15–20%. Food delivery: 15–20%. Bartenders: $1–2 per drink or 15–18% of the tab. Counter service and coffee: 10–15% is appreciated but not obligatory.
Tip on the full bill even if you used a coupon. Staff work just as hard whether or not you have a coupon. Tipping on the full pre-discount price, rather than the reduced price you actually pay, is widely considered the right thing to do.
Adjust for service quality thoughtfully. A kitchen error is rarely the server's fault. Adjust your tip for poor service only when the server was directly responsible — consider speaking with a manager for other issues.
Round up to the nearest dollar for simplicity. When the calculated tip comes to an awkward amount, rounding up by a dollar or two is easy, gives the server a little more, and avoids paying in exact change at a card terminal.

Enter the full table bill, not your individual portion. Enter the total bill for the whole table, calculate the tip, then divide the grand total by the number of diners. This gives each person their exact share including the tip in one step.
Collect cash before paying by card. Agree on a per-person amount from the calculator before anyone pays. Collecting cash from all contributors lets the card-holder pay the full bill in one transaction.
Screenshot the result and share it in a group chat. Take a screenshot of the tip calculator result and share it before paying. This makes the amount transparent for everyone and prevents disputes.
Account for those who did not drink alcohol. If some diners had alcohol and others did not, it is fairer to split the food and alcohol portions separately before combining with the tip calculation.

Research local norms before travelling. Tipping is expected in the US and Canada, but considered rude or unnecessary in Japan, South Korea, and many European countries. A quick search before you travel avoids offending hosts.
Check if a service charge is already included. Many European and Australian restaurants add a service charge automatically. Look for lines reading 'service compris', 'servizio incluso', or a percentage service charge before adding another tip.
Convert currency before deciding on a tip. Use Unit Master's Currency Converter to understand the bill in your home currency before deciding on a tip amount. Tipping generously is easier when you understand the real value.

The most common tipping scenario for sit-down dining in the US.

Dividing the full bill including tip so each person pays their fair share.

Enter the total bill amount.
Enter the number of people in the split field.
Choose your preferred tip percentage.
Read the 'Per person' amount — that is what each person owes including their share of the tip.

Delivery tipping conventions differ from restaurant table service.

Note the food subtotal on your delivery receipt (before delivery fee and taxes).
Enter that subtotal into the tip calculator.
Select 15–20% for a standard delivery; higher for bad weather or difficult access.
Add this tip on the app at checkout, or in cash when the driver arrives.

Tipping in the local currency when dining abroad.

Note the bill amount in the local currency.
Enter it into the Tip Calculator and note the tip amount in the local currency.
If you want to understand the value in your home currency first, use the Currency Converter to translate the bill total.
Pay the local-currency tip amount shown by the calculator.

When a coupon or manager's comp reduces the price you pay, tipping etiquette still points to the original amount.

Choosing a percentage when service was good but not exceptional.

Enter your bill and view both the 18% and 20% rows side by side.
Note the dollar difference — on a $60 bill it is $1.20.
Consider the service: a complex order, large group, or attentive refills warrant 20%.
Round up to the nearest dollar at whichever percentage you choose.

Bar tabs follow different conventions from table service.

Note your total bar tab at the end of the evening.
Enter the tab total into the tip calculator.
Select 15–18% for standard bar service; 20% for exceptional service.
Alternatively, use $1–$2 per drink as a benchmark and compare to the percentage — pay whichever is higher.

Hotel tipping conventions are less visible than restaurant tips but equally appreciated.

Decide on a per-night amount: $2–$5 per night is a common US guideline.
Multiply by the number of nights you stayed.
Leave the cash in an envelope or on the pillow with a note marked 'Housekeeping'.
For longer stays, consider leaving a daily tip rather than one end-of-stay amount so each housekeeper benefits.