What is the standard tip percentage for restaurants?

Standard tip percentages range from 15-20% in most places. 15% is considered the minimum for adequate service, 18% for good service, 20% for excellent service, and 25%+ for exceptional experiences. In some high-cost areas, 22-25% has become the new standard.

Should I tip on the before-tax or after-tax amount?

While traditional etiquette suggests tipping on the pre-tax amount, many people find it easier to calculate tips on the total bill including tax. Both approaches are acceptable - the most important thing is being generous and fair to service workers.

How do I handle tips when splitting a bill in a group?

Our calculator splits both the bill and tip evenly among all diners. For groups with uneven consumption (some ordering significantly more than others), consider splitting proportionally based on what each person ordered, then applying the same tip percentage to each person's share.

When should I tip more than the standard percentage?

Consider tipping above 20% for exceptional service, large groups where the server managed everything perfectly, complex dietary restrictions that were handled well, or during busy periods when the server went above and beyond. Generosity is always appreciated by service workers.

What if the service was poor - should I still tip?

While poor service is frustrating, consider factors beyond the server's control (kitchen delays, understaffing, etc.). You can tip on the lower end (10-15%) for inadequate service, but consider speaking with a manager about serious issues rather than just reducing the tip.

Do I need to tip for takeout or pickup orders?

For takeout and pickup orders, a small tip (10-15%) is appropriate if someone prepared your order, especially for large or complex orders. While not required, it's a nice gesture to support restaurant workers, particularly during busy periods or for detailed orders.

Tip Calculator

Navigate restaurant etiquette effortlessly with intelligent tip calculations and fair bill splitting across multiple people. Features customizable tip percentages, service quality ratings, and detailed breakdowns for seamless group dining experiences and equitable cost distribution.

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