What Is Tipping and Why Does It Matter?
Tipping (also called gratuity) is extra money you give to service workers beyond the bill amount. It's supposed to reward good service, but in many countries—especially the US and Canada—it's basically mandatory because servers rely on tips to make minimum wage.
The tipping system is controversial. Critics say employers should pay fair wages instead of forcing customers to subsidize payroll. Supporters argue tipping incentivizes better service. Either way, if you're eating out in 2025, you're expected to tip.
Here's the thing: tipping norms have changed post-pandemic. Pre-2020, 15% was standard. Now? 18-20% is the new baseline, and tip screens at cafes and takeout places make it even more complicated.
How to Calculate Tips (The Easy Way)
You don't need to be a math genius. Here are three methods:
Method 1: The Quick Mental Math
- 10% tip: Move the decimal point left one place. £50 bill = £5 tip
- 15% tip: Calculate 10%, then add half of that. £50 × 10% = £5, half of £5 = £2.50, so £5 + £2.50 = £7.50
- 20% tip: Calculate 10% and double it. £50 × 10% = £5, doubled = £10
- 25% tip: Calculate 10%, double it, then add half. £50 × 10% = £5, doubled = £10, plus £2.50 = £12.50
Method 2: Use a Calculator
Multiply the bill by the tip percentage as a decimal:
- • £50 × 0.15 = £7.50 (15% tip)
- • £50 × 0.18 = £9.00 (18% tip)
- • £50 × 0.20 = £10.00 (20% tip)
Method 3: Use Our Tool (Obviously)
Type in the bill amount, select your tip percentage, and boom—instant calculation. Plus it splits bills if you're dining with friends. Try it: Tip Calculator
Tipping Etiquette by Country
Tipping customs vary massively around the world. What's polite in one country can be insulting in another.
🇺🇸 United States
Standard: 18-20% (15% minimum). Servers earn $2-5/hour base pay and rely on tips. Not tipping is considered extremely rude unless service was terrible. Tip on pre-tax amount.
🇨🇦 Canada
Standard: 15-20%. Similar to the US but slightly lower. Servers have higher base wages but still depend on tips. Round up to the nearest dollar.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Standard: 10-12.5%. Optional but appreciated. Check if service charge is already included. In pubs, tipping isn't expected for drinks. Round up for taxis.
🇦🇺 Australia
Standard: 10% or round up. Tipping is optional—servers earn full wages. It's more of a "thanks for great service" gesture than an obligation.
🇪🇺 Europe
Standard: 5-10% (varies by country). Service charge is usually included. In Germany, round up. In France, leave small change. In Italy, €1-2 per person is fine.
🇯🇵 Japan
Don't tip—it's considered rude. Good service is expected and included in the price. Attempting to tip can confuse or offend staff.
When to Tip More or Less
Tip More (20-25%+) When:
- ✅ Service was exceptional—friendly, attentive, went above and beyond
- ✅ You had a complicated order or special dietary requests
- ✅ The restaurant was slammed but your server handled it well
- ✅ You stayed way past closing time (don't do this, but if you do, tip extra)
- ✅ Your group was large or rowdy
- ✅ You're at a small local business struggling post-pandemic
Tip Less (10-12%) When:
- ❌ Service was genuinely bad—rude, forgot your order, ignored you
- ❌ Food quality was terrible (not the server's fault, but affects overall experience)
- ❌ You're at a self-service counter or fast food (0-10% is fine)
- ❌ Gratuity is already included—check your bill carefully
Note: If service was truly awful, speak to a manager. Stiffing the tip without explanation just makes you look cheap.
Splitting Bills Like a Pro
Splitting bills is where friendships are tested. Here's how to do it without drama:
Option 1: Split Evenly
Works best when everyone ordered similar amounts. Divide total (including tip) by number of people.
Example: £120 bill + £24 tip (20%) = £144 total ÷ 6 people = £24 each
Use our tip calculator to split instantly.
Option 2: Split by Item
Everyone pays for what they ordered, plus their share of the tip. Fair but tedious.
Pro tip: Calculate the total tip percentage FIRST, then everyone adds that % to their individual items.
Option 3: Apps & Payment Splitting
Use Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, or your banking app. One person pays, everyone else sends their share including tip. Fast and avoids awkward cash exchanges.
🚫 Common Split Bill Mistakes
- • Calculating tip on your individual portion before adding—tip on the FULL bill
- • Forgetting to account for shared appetizers or drinks
- • Rounding down too aggressively—servers lose money
- • Taking 20 minutes to split a £50 bill—just use the calculator!
📚 Keep Reading
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