A tip percentage chart converts a bill into a dollar tip
A tip percentage chart turns a bill into a tip amount. Find the bill in the first column, then read across to 15%, 18%, 20%, or 25%. On a $50 pre-tax bill, those tips are $7.50, $9.00, $10.00, and $12.50.
It is a reference, not a rule. Service type, local custom, budget, and receipt wording matter. Check for a service charge or automatic gratuity before adding another percentage.
For a bill between rows, multiply the chosen base by the rate as a decimal. Use the main calculator for custom amounts, tax, splitting, or rounding.
Tip Percentage Chart for Common Bill Amounts
The table uses the pre-tax bill and shows the tip only. Tax, delivery fees, service charges, and automatic gratuity are excluded.
Read across to compare rates. 15% is 10% plus 5%; 18% is 2% below 20%; 20% is one fifth; 25% is one quarter. For amounts between rows, use the formula below.
| Bill | 15% tip | 18% tip | 20% tip | 25% tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $1.50 | $1.80 | $2.00 | $2.50 |
| $15 | $2.25 | $2.70 | $3.00 | $3.75 |
| $20 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| $25 | $3.75 | $4.50 | $5.00 | $6.25 |
| $30 | $4.50 | $5.40 | $6.00 | $7.50 |
| $40 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| $50 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $60 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| $75 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $18.75 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $125 | $18.75 | $22.50 | $25.00 | $31.25 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $27.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| $200 | $30.00 | $36.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
What the table does not decide
A percentage button or chart cannot tell you whether a fee is mandatory, who receives it, or what local practice expects. Read the receipt and ask the business when a charge is unclear.
How to Calculate Any Tip Percentage
Divide the percentage by 100, then multiply it by the chosen base. For a $68 subtotal at 18%, $68 × 0.18 = $12.24. Add the tip after calculating it.
Keep cents through the calculation. If you round per-person shares, show the rounded amount and difference after the exact total is known.
The math also works for bars, delivery, salons, and taxis. The base and appropriate rate depend on the service and receipt.
tip base = subtotal, or subtotal + tax
tip rate as decimal = percentage ÷ 100
tip amount = tip base × tip rate
total = subtotal + tax + tip- 1. Choose the baseUse the pre-tax subtotal unless the receipt or your chosen method calls for subtotal plus tax.
- 2. Convert the rateWrite 15% as 0.15, 18% as 0.18, 20% as 0.20, or 25% as 0.25.
- 3. MultiplyMultiply the base by the decimal rate and keep the cents in the result.
- 4. Add and reviewAdd subtotal, tax, and tip, then check for a service charge or automatic gratuity.
Worked Tip Percentage Examples
Check a cell with multiplication: $42 × 0.20 = $8.40, while $42 × 0.18 = $7.56. The tips differ by 84 cents before tax.
The examples add 8% tax after the tip. This rate is illustrative; use the one on your receipt. Including tax in the tip base changes the tip.
| Subtotal | Rate | Tip | Total with 8% tax | What to notice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40.00 | 15% | $6.00 | $49.20 | 10% plus 5%; tax is separate. |
| $40.00 | 20% | $8.00 | $51.20 | A one-fifth tip on the subtotal. |
| $60.00 | 18% | $10.80 | $75.60 | 20% minus 2%; tax adds $4.80. |
| $85.00 | 20% | $17.00 | $108.80 | The table row is between $75 and $100. |
| $120.00 | 25% | $30.00 | $159.60 | One quarter of the subtotal. |
Should the Tip Percentage Use the Bill Before or After Tax?
There is no worldwide rule for the tip base. Some diners use the pre-tax subtotal; others include tax because of local custom or convenience. Follow the receipt and a method you can explain.
On a $50 subtotal with $4 tax, 20% is $10 before tax or $10.80 after tax. The chart uses the subtotal so each row has one clear meaning.
A service charge or automatic gratuity is separate from sales tax and may follow different rules. Check the receipt or ask the business before adding another amount.
Keep the tip base visible
Use the main calculator to compare the pre-tax subtotal with the subtotal plus tax. If your entered amount already includes tax, do not add it again.
Where a Tip Percentage Chart Helps
Restaurant meals
Use the subtotal and check for tax or automatic gratuity. The chart is a reference, not a substitute for the receipt.
Bars and coffee
A per-drink or flat amount may fit better. Use a percentage when that is the method you choose.
Delivery and takeout
Separate listed delivery or small-order fees from the food, then choose the base the amount is meant to recognize.
Salons and services
Use the service price unless the provider says otherwise. Local expectations vary.
Common Tip Chart Mistakes
A correct rate on the wrong base still gives a misleading amount. Check whether the figure is pre-tax, tax-inclusive, discounted, or already includes gratuity.
A chart explains arithmetic, not a required rate. Choose an amount that fits the service, receipt, local custom, and your budget.
- Using the grand totalIt may already include tax or gratuity; another percentage can double-count a charge.
- Adding tax twiceIf the amount includes tax, do not add the same tax again.
- Forgetting a discountDecide whether the tip uses the discounted subtotal and keep that base clear.
- Ignoring an included gratuityCheck for a service charge, automatic gratuity, or included tip before adding another rate.
- Rounding too earlyKeep exact cents until the total is known; show any rounded-share difference.
A Four-Step Tip Chart Check
Use this four-step check when a terminal or receipt suggests a rate. If a line is unclear, ask the provider what it covers.
- Name the baseState whether the rate uses subtotal alone or subtotal plus tax.
- Read every feeCheck for gratuity, service, delivery, discount, or deposit lines.
- Choose the rateChoose a rate that fits; a button is not a requirement.
- Confirm the totalAdd tax and tip once, then agree on cents or visible rounding.
Tip Percentage Chart FAQ
What is the easiest way to use a tip percentage chart?
Find the bill in column one and read across. Values show the tip before tax and fees.
How much is a 20% tip on $50?
It is $10.00 on a $50 pre-tax subtotal, or $60.00 before tax and other charges.
How much is an 18% tip on $60?
At 18%, it is $10.80 before tax, fees, or included gratuity.
Does the chart include tax?
No. The table uses the pre-tax bill. Use the formula or tax-and-tip calculator to include tax.
Should I tip before or after tax?
Either may fit local custom or the bill. Choose one base and do not count tax twice.
What if my bill is not listed?
Divide the rate by 100, then multiply your bill. The main calculator handles custom values.
What if the receipt has automatic gratuity?
Check what it covers with the business before adding another percentage.
Is 25% always the correct tip?
No. It is a reference rate; the appropriate amount depends on service, location, custom, and choice.
Can I use this chart for delivery or a salon?
The multiplication works, but rates and bill bases vary by service. Check local expectations and the receipt.
Is the tip percentage chart a calculator?
No. Use the browser calculator for custom percentages, tax, splitting, and rounding.
Use the chart, then verify the receipt
Use the correct bill base, multiply by the chosen rate, and check tax, discounts, fees, and gratuity before paying.
Use the Tip Calculator for a detailed result, or read How to Calculate Tip for the formula. No single rate fits every setting.