How much to tip on $15
Multiply the bill by the tip rate as a decimal. On a $15.00 bill, 18% is $15.00 x 0.18 = $2.70. The table covers the common rates; 15% to 20% is standard for sit-down service in the US, 18% to 20% is typical in cities, and 22% to 25% is for outstanding service or large parties.
| Tip rate | Tip | Total with tip |
|---|---|---|
| 15% | $2.25 | $17.25 |
| 18% | $2.70 | $17.70 |
| 20% | $3.00 | $18.00 |
| 22% | $3.30 | $18.30 |
| 25% | $3.75 | $18.75 |
Splitting a $15.00 bill
Add the tip first, then divide by the number of people. Each share below includes the tip.
| Tip rate | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15% | $8.63 | $5.75 | $4.31 |
| 18% | $8.85 | $5.90 | $4.43 |
| 20% | $9.00 | $6.00 | $4.50 |
| 22% | $9.15 | $6.10 | $4.58 |
| 25% | $9.38 | $6.25 | $4.69 |
Mental math for a $15.00 bill
Ten percent of $15.00 is $1.50: just move the decimal point one place to the left. From there, 20% is double ($3.00), 15% is 10% plus half of 10% ($1.50 + $0.75 = $2.25), and 5% is half of 10% ($0.75). Round to the nearest dollar if that is easier; a tip of $3.00 instead of $3.00 is well within the normal range.
Before or after tax?
Etiquette guides recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal. In practice, many people tip on the total, and the difference is small: at 8% sales tax, a 20% tip on the post-tax amount of a $15.00 pre-tax bill is $3.24 instead of $3.00, about $0.24 more. Check whether a service charge or gratuity has already been added, which is common for parties of six or more; in that case no extra tip is expected.
Nearby bill amounts
tip on $10, tip on $20, tip on $25, tip on $30. For any other amount or to round each share up to a whole dollar, use the tip calculator.