How to Calculate Tips
Learn the math behind tipping and how to calculate tips manually. Perfect for when you don't have a calculator handy.
📝 Step-by-Step Manual Calculation
Start with Your Bill Amount
Look at your bill total. For proper etiquette, use the pre-tax amount.
Example: Bill = $50.00
Choose Your Tip Percentage
Decide on your tip percentage based on service quality.
- • 15% for adequate service
- • 18-20% for good service (standard)
- • 25%+ for exceptional service
Example: We'll use 20%
Calculate the Tip Amount
Multiply your bill by the tip percentage (as a decimal).
Formula: Tip = Bill × (Percentage ÷ 100)
Example: $50.00 × 0.20 = $10.00
Add Tip to Bill
Add the tip amount to your original bill to get your total payment.
Total: $50.00 + $10.00 = $60.00
🧮 Quick Mental Math Tricks
For 20% (Easiest!)
Move the decimal one place left, then double it.
$45.00 → $4.50 → $9.00 tip
For 15%
Move decimal left (10%), then add half of that amount.
$40.00 → $4.00 (10%) → $4.00 + $2.00 = $6.00 tip
For 18%
Calculate 20% (move decimal and double), then subtract 10% of the 20%.
$50.00 → $10.00 (20%) → $10.00 - $1.00 = $9.00 tip
💪 Practice Examples
Example 1: $32.50 bill at 18%
$32.50 × 0.18 = $5.85 tip
Total: $32.50 + $5.85 = $38.35
Example 2: $87.20 bill at 20%
$87.20 × 0.20 = $17.44 tip
Total: $87.20 + $17.44 = $104.64
Example 3: $125.00 bill at 15%
$125.00 × 0.15 = $18.75 tip
Total: $125.00 + $18.75 = $143.75
✨ Best Practices
- ✓Always tip on the pre-tax amount for proper etiquette
- ✓Round up to the nearest dollar for easier cash payments
- ✓When in doubt, tip 20% - it's easy to calculate and generous
- ✓For large groups, check if gratuity is already included
- ✓Use cash when possible - servers receive it immediately
🧮 Try Our Calculator
Skip the math and use our free calculator to instantly calculate tips, split bills, and share results.
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