How much to tip on $50
Multiply the bill by the tip rate as a decimal. On a $50.00 bill, 18% is $50.00 x 0.18 = $9.00. 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% | $7.50 | $57.50 |
| 18% | $9.00 | $59.00 |
| 20% | $10.00 | $60.00 |
| 22% | $11.00 | $61.00 |
| 25% | $12.50 | $62.50 |
Splitting a $50.00 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% | $28.75 | $19.17 | $14.38 |
| 18% | $29.50 | $19.67 | $14.75 |
| 20% | $30.00 | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| 22% | $30.50 | $20.33 | $15.25 |
| 25% | $31.25 | $20.83 | $15.63 |
Mental math for a $50.00 bill
Ten percent of $50.00 is $5.00: just move the decimal point one place to the left. From there, 20% is double ($10.00), 15% is 10% plus half of 10% ($5.00 + $2.50 = $7.50), and 5% is half of 10% ($2.50). Round to the nearest dollar if that is easier; a tip of $10.00 instead of $10.00 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 $50.00 pre-tax bill is $10.80 instead of $10.00, about $0.80 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 $35, tip on $40, tip on $45, tip on $55, tip on $60, tip on $65. For any other amount or to round each share up to a whole dollar, use the tip calculator.