How to Calculate Tip Percentage

The two useful formulas

You can calculate tip percentage in two ways depending on what you already know.

Tip percentage = (tip amount / bill amount) * 100

Tip amount = (bill amount * tip percentage) / 100

How to find the tip percentage

1. Take the tip amount.
2. Divide it by the bill amount.
3. Multiply by 100.

Example 1

Your bill is $40 and you leave a $6 tip.

• 6 / 40 = 0.15
• 0.15 * 100 = 15%

The tip percentage is 15%.

Example 2

Your bill is $72 and you want to leave 18%.

• (72 * 18) / 100 = 12.96

The tip amount is $12.96.

Quick checks

• 10% is easy to find by moving the decimal one place left
• 15% is 10% plus half of 10%
• 20% is double 10%

Common mistakes

• Using the total with tax when you meant the pre tax bill
• Dividing the bill by the tip instead of the tip by the bill
• Forgetting to convert the decimal to a percent

Where this is useful

• Restaurants
• Taxis
• Food delivery
• Travel planning

FAQ

How do I calculate a 15% tip quickly?

Find 10% of the bill, then add half of that amount.

How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly?

Find 10% of the bill and double it.

Should I tip before or after tax?

That depends on local custom. The formula is the same either way as long as you use the bill amount you intend to tip on.