How-To Guide

How to Calculate Tip at a Restaurant

Restaurant tipping is usually just a percentage of the bill. Once you know the tip amount, it is easy to find the final total and split it between multiple people.

4 min read Updated 7. April 2026

Quick steps

Multiply the bill by the tip percentage to get the tip amount.
Add the tip to the original bill for the total amount.
Divide the total by the number of people if you are splitting it.
Decide whether you are tipping on the pre-tax or post-tax amount first.

The simple formula

Tip amount = bill x tip rate. Total bill = bill + tip amount. Per-person share = total bill / number of people.

Manual example

If the bill is $64 and you want to leave 12%, the tip is $7.68. The total is $71.68. Split between two people, that becomes $35.84 each.

Where people usually get stuck

Tipping expectations vary by country, and some people tip on the pre-tax amount while others use the final bill.

You want to compare several common tip rates quickly
You need a clean rounded value for each person
You want the tip, total, and split in one view

Frequently Asked Questions

Should tip be calculated before or after tax?expand_more

That depends on local custom and personal preference. The easiest approach is to decide on the base amount first, then apply the percentage consistently.

Can I round each person up or down?expand_more

Yes, but it helps to verify the rounded shares still add up to the final total you want to pay.

What if I am unsure which tip percentage to use?expand_more

Compare a few common rates like 10%, 12%, 15%, 18%, and 20% to see what feels right for the situation.