How much to tip on $20
Multiply the bill by the tip rate as a decimal. On a $20.00 bill, 18% is $20.00 x 0.18 = $3.60. 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% | $3.00 | $23.00 |
| 18% | $3.60 | $23.60 |
| 20% | $4.00 | $24.00 |
| 22% | $4.40 | $24.40 |
| 25% | $5.00 | $25.00 |
Splitting a $20.00 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% | $11.50 | $7.67 | $5.75 |
| 18% | $11.80 | $7.87 | $5.90 |
| 20% | $12.00 | $8.00 | $6.00 |
| 22% | $12.20 | $8.13 | $6.10 |
| 25% | $12.50 | $8.33 | $6.25 |
Mental math for a $20.00 bill
Ten percent of $20.00 is $2.00: just move the decimal point one place to the left. From there, 20% is double ($4.00), 15% is 10% plus half of 10% ($2.00 + $1.00 = $3.00), and 5% is half of 10% ($1.00). Round to the nearest dollar if that is easier; a tip of $4.00 instead of $4.00 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 $20.00 pre-tax bill is $4.32 instead of $4.00, about $0.32 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 $15, tip on $25, tip on $30, tip on $35. For any other amount or to round each share up to a whole dollar, use the tip calculator.