Tip Calculator
Calculate restaurant tip and total, split across multiple people. Handles pre-tax vs after-tax correctly.
Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to our servers.
About this tool
Calculates restaurant tip and total, optionally split across multiple people. Handles the "is tax included or not?" question correctly — tip should always be computed on the pre-tax subtotal.
Tipping in Canada
Standard Canadian tipping at sit-down restaurants is roughly:
- 15% — standard, acceptable service
- 18% — good service (this is the modern default for most people)
- 20% — great service
- 25%+ — exceptional service
Tip is on the pre-tax subtotal — tipping on the after-tax total effectively tips the government, which isn't the point. Many payment terminals default to suggesting tip on the after-tax amount, which is why this tool lets you separate the tax out.
Other tipping situations
- Takeout / counter service: 0–10% is acceptable for simple takeout. Some people round up.
- Delivery: 10–15% plus tip for the delivery driver if separate.
- Bartenders: $1–$2 per drink for simple orders, 15–20% for tabs.
- Hotel housekeeping: $2–$5 per night.
- Taxi / rideshare: 10–15% if good service.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I tip on the pre-tax or after-tax amount?
- Pre-tax. Tax doesn't reflect service quality, so tipping on tax doesn't make sense. Some payment terminals default to after-tax — you can override by typing in a dollar amount instead of using their suggested percentages.
- Why does my payment terminal show 20%/22%/25% as the default options?
- Many newer terminals have shifted defaults upward, partly because the dollar amounts are calculated on the after-tax total (which inflates them). You're still free to enter your own number.
- Is rounding up rude?
- Rounding to a sensible whole dollar (so each person pays $25 even instead of $24.87) is fine and common. Rounding far below the intended tip to save money is the rude version.
- Do I tip on alcohol?
- Yes, generally. Same percentage as the rest of the bill in a restaurant. At a bar with just drinks, $1–$2 per simple drink or 15–20% on a tab is standard.
Last updated: May 17, 2026