Learn how to calculate a tip quickly using a simple percentage formula. See how to calculate the tip amount, total bill, split the bill between multiple people, and handle common tip percentages such as 15%, 18%, 20%, and 25%.
ToolCMB Team
5 min read
Calculating a tip is simply a percentage calculation. You take the bill amount and multiply it by the tip percentage.
The basic formula is:
Tip = Bill Amount × Tip Percentage ÷ 100
For example, suppose your restaurant bill is $80 and you want to leave a 20% tip.
$80 × 20 ÷ 100 = $16
Your tip is $16.
To find the total amount you will pay:
Total = Bill Amount + Tip
So:
$80 + $16 = $96
You would pay $96 including the tip.
If you want to avoid doing the calculation manually, you can use ToolCMB's Tip & Split calculator to calculate the tip and total instantly.
A 15% tip is useful to calculate quickly because it can be broken into 10% plus 5%.
For a $60 bill:
10% of $60 = $6
5% of $60 = $3
15% of $60 = $9
So the tip is $9, and the total is:
$60 + $9 = $69
For an 18% tip, multiply the bill by 0.18.
For example:
$75 × 0.18 = $13.50
The tip is $13.50.
The total is:
$75 + $13.50 = $88.50
18% can also be estimated mentally by calculating 20% and subtracting 2%.
For $75:
20% = $15
2% = $1.50
18% = $13.50
A 20% tip is one of the easiest percentages to calculate.
Simply find 10% of the bill and double it.
For example, if your bill is $90:
10% = $9
Double it:
20% = $18
The total is:
$90 + $18 = $108
For mental math, this is often the fastest way to calculate a 20% tip.
A 25% tip is equal to one-quarter of the bill.
For a $80 bill:
$80 ÷ 4 = $20
So:
25% tip = $20
The total is:
$80 + $20 = $100
This shortcut works especially well with bills that are easy to divide by four.
To calculate 10%, move the decimal point one place to the left.
For example:
$40 → $4
$65 → $6.50
$120 → $12
$245 → $24.50
Once you know 10%, you can calculate many other tip percentages.
For example, to calculate a 15% tip:
15% = 10% + 5%
And 5% is half of 10%.
When several people are sharing a restaurant bill, calculate the tip before dividing the final amount.
For example, four people have a $120 bill and want to leave a 20% tip.
First calculate the tip:
$120 × 20% = $24
Then calculate the total:
$120 + $24 = $144
Finally divide the total by four:
$144 ÷ 4 = $36
Each person pays $36.
ToolCMB's Tip & Split calculator can handle the number of people and calculate each person's share automatically.
This depends on the local custom and the restaurant's bill.
In the United States, people may calculate a restaurant tip based on the pre-tax amount, although practices can vary. If you are unsure, check the local custom or the restaurant's guidance.
The important thing is to identify which amount you are using as the tip base before calculating the percentage.
For example, if the pre-tax bill is $80 and you choose a 20% tip:
$80 × 20% = $16
If the tax has already been included in the amount you are using, the resulting tip will be different.
ToolCMB also provides a Sales Tax / VAT calculator for situations where you need to add or remove tax from an amount.
Here is a quick reference for common tip percentages:
| Bill | 15% Tip | 18% Tip | 20% Tip | 25% Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| $40 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| $60 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| $80 | $12.00 | $14.40 | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
These percentages are simply examples. The appropriate tip depends on the service, location, personal preference, and local tipping customs.
You can calculate many tips mentally using 10%.
For example, for a $72 bill:
10% = $7.20
From there:
15% = $10.80
18% = $12.96
20% = $14.40
25% = $18.00
For larger or less convenient amounts, an online calculator can reduce the chance of arithmetic mistakes.
If you want the result without doing the math manually, use the Tip & Split calculator.
Enter:
Your bill amount.
The tip percentage.
The number of people sharing the bill.
Optionally, choose the round-up option if you want each person's share rounded.
The calculator gives you the tip amount, total bill, and amount per person.
ToolCMB's calculators run in the browser, so you can enter your numbers directly without uploading a file or creating an account.
Tip calculations are often connected with other percentage calculations.
If you are working out a restaurant bill, you may also find these ToolCMB calculators useful:
Percentage Calculator — calculate percentages, percentage changes, discounts, tax, and other percentage problems.
Discount Calculator — work out sale prices and savings.
Sales Tax / VAT Calculator — add or remove sales tax or VAT.
Tip & Split Calculator — calculate tips, totals, and individual shares.
Keeping these calculations together can make it easier to check the full cost of a purchase or restaurant bill. ToolCMB's Percentage Calculator currently includes these functions on one page.
The formula is:
Tip = Bill Amount × Tip Percentage ÷ 100
For example, a $100 bill with a 20% tip gives a $20 tip.
A 20% tip on $50 is $10.
The total bill including the tip is $60.
The amount depends on the percentage you choose. A 15% tip is $15, an 18% tip is $18, a 20% tip is $20, and a 25% tip is $25.
First calculate the tip and add it to the bill. Then divide the total by the number of people.
For example, a $100 bill with a 20% tip becomes $120. If four people split it equally, each person pays $30.
A 20% tip is usually one of the easiest because you can find 10% of the bill and double it.
Yes. Rounding can make payment easier, especially when several people are splitting a bill. ToolCMB's Tip & Split calculator includes an option to round up each person's share.
Yes. Enter the bill amount, tip percentage, and number of people in the Tip & Split calculator to calculate the tip, total, and each person's share.
Yes. ToolCMB provides a free Tip & Split calculator that runs in the browser without requiring an account.
We build fast, free and private browser tools — and write practical guides on how to use them.
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