Is tip calculated on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

This calculator applies the tip to the pre-tax subtotal, which is the most widely recommended practice. Tipping on the post-tax total results in a marginally higher tip. Toggle the "Tip on total with tax" option to compare both approaches.

What is a standard restaurant tip percentage?

In the United States, 15% is considered the minimum for acceptable service, 18% is a common default, and 20% is standard for good service. 25% or more is appropriate for exceptional service. For counter service or takeout, 10–15% is typical.

What is the average US restaurant sales tax rate?

Sales tax on restaurant meals varies by state and city. Common rates range from 0% (Oregon, Montana) to over 10% in some cities. The national average is roughly 6–8%. Use the state presets in this calculator to find your local rate quickly.

How is the per-person amount calculated?

The per-person amount is the grand total (subtotal + tax + tip) divided by the number of diners. All diners pay an equal share.

Can I use this outside the United States?

Yes. Ignore the state tax presets and type your local VAT or service charge percentage directly into the tax field. The math works for any currency or country.

Restaurant Tax & Tip Calculator

Name: Restaurant Tax & Tip Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your meal subtotal, local tax rate, and tip percentage to instantly see the full bill breakdown and per-person amount.

Bill Details

Meal Subtotal

Sales Tax Rate

Tip Percentage

Number of Diners

Tip on subtotal only

Enter your meal subtotal to see the full bill breakdown.

Grand Total

$0.00

subtotal + tax + tip

Tax Amount

$0.00

Tip Amount

$0.00

Item	Amount	Per Person
Subtotal	—	—
Tax (0%)	—	—
Tip (18%)	—	—
Grand Total	—	—

Summary

Enter your meal subtotal, local tax rate, and tip percentage to instantly see the full bill breakdown and per-person amount.

How it works

Enter the meal subtotal (the amount before tax and tip).
Select a tax rate preset for your state or type a custom percentage.
Choose a tip percentage using the preset buttons or enter your own.
Set the number of diners if splitting the bill.
Read the itemized breakdown — subtotal, tax, tip, grand total, and per-person amount.

Use cases

Quickly figuring out how much to leave including tip at a restaurant.
Splitting a dinner bill evenly among friends.
Budgeting for a meal in an unfamiliar US city with a different sales tax rate.
Confirming the correct total before paying a check.
Teaching someone the difference between tax and tip on a restaurant bill.
Calculating a large group meal before the check arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-24 · Reviewed by Nham Vu