Tip percentage
Most US service tips land between 15 and 20%. Here is what each rate works out to, and how to do it in your head without an app.
Last checked September 2026
15% is the floor for ordinary service, 20% is the solid default, and 25% is generous. To get 20% fast, move the decimal one place left to find 10%, then double it. For 15%, take that 10% and add half of it again.
What each percentage comes to
Read down your bill, across to the rate. These are the raw amounts before any rounding; in practice most people round to a clean number.
| Bill | 15% | 18% | 20% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $1.50 | $1.80 | $2.00 | $2.50 |
| $20 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| $30 | $4.50 | $5.40 | $6.00 | $7.50 |
| $50 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $75 | $11.25 | $13.50 | $15.00 | $18.75 |
| $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 |
The fast mental math
- 10%: move the decimal one place left. $80 becomes $8.
- 20%: find 10%, then double it. $8 becomes $16.
- 15%: find 10%, then add half of it. $8 plus $4 is $12.
- 25%: find a quarter. Divide the bill by 4. $80 becomes $20.
Which base do you use?
Custom is to figure the percentage on the pre-tax subtotal, not the grand total. The gap is small, and using the total is fine if it is easier. We break it down on tip before or after tax.
Let the calculator do it
Every service on this site posts its own customary rate and reprints a dollar figure for your exact bill. Start with the restaurant tip calculator or browse all services.
Percentages are US customary guidance, not an obligation. If a service charge is already on the bill, that is the tip.