Everyday Calculators
Tipping Guide
Estimate general US tipping guidance, optional custom tips, totals and per-person tip amounts in US dollars.
Updated
General US etiquette guidance
Estimate a tip
How to interpret the guidance
A tip is an optional amount added to recognise service.
The figures are general US etiquette guidance. They are suggestions, not mandatory rules, and customs vary by location and situation. Establishment policies and service charges can differ.
Check whether gratuity or a service charge is already included. Percentage guidance may be calculated from the pre-tax amount. You may choose an amount appropriate to the service and circumstances.
Quick answers
What this calculator answers
- Guidance: Shows general US etiquette suggestions by service, not mandatory rules.
- Amounts: Calculates suggested and optional custom tips, totals, and per-person tip amounts in US dollars.
- Context: Customs, service charges, establishment policies, and circumstances can change what is appropriate.
Transparency note
Accuracy and limitations
Calzivo tools are built for practical estimates, conversions, and checks. Some tools use standard formulas or simplified assumptions, and results can be affected by input accuracy, rounding, units, local rules, or changing official requirements.
Results depend on the values you enter and any simplified assumptions used by the tool. Verify important results before making decisions or submitting official information.
Reference check
Sources and references
These references provide background context for the topic. They do not replace official advice or documents for personal decisions.
- Emily Post General Tipping Guide
The Emily Post Institute
- Emily Post Finer Points of Tipping
The Emily Post Institute
How to Use This Tool
Use these steps to enter the right inputs and interpret the result correctly.
Choose a service and whether you want dollar calculations or guidance only.
Enter the bill in US dollars when bill mode is enabled.
Optionally enter a custom percentage and choose the whole number of people sharing the tip.
Calculate and compare the general guidance with an amount appropriate to your circumstances.
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Related Guides
Background reading and explanations related to Tipping Guide.
Tip Calculator Guide: How It Works for Bills, Tax, and Splits
Learn how to calculate tips, handle tax, and split bills easily.
How Much Should You Tip?
See common USA tipping ranges for restaurants, delivery, salons, hotels, rideshare, and more.
Do You Tip Before or After Tax?
Learn whether to tip on the subtotal or after-tax total, with 15%, 18%, and 20% examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tipping Guide and how to read the result.
Is a tip required?
No. These figures are general US etiquette suggestions, not mandatory rules. Customs and establishment policies vary.
Should the percentage use the pre-tax amount?
Percentage guidance may be calculated from the pre-tax amount. Check the receipt and choose the basis appropriate to the situation.
What if gratuity or a service charge is included?
Check the bill and establishment policy before adding another amount so the same service is not counted twice.
How is a shared tip calculated?
The calculated tip is divided by the whole number of people entered. This tool does not calculate a complete per-person bill total.