How much to tip on $55
Multiply the bill by the tip rate as a decimal. On a $55.00 bill, 18% is $55.00 x 0.18 = $9.90. 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% | $8.25 | $63.25 |
| 18% | $9.90 | $64.90 |
| 20% | $11.00 | $66.00 |
| 22% | $12.10 | $67.10 |
| 25% | $13.75 | $68.75 |
Splitting a $55.00 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% | $31.63 | $21.08 | $15.81 |
| 18% | $32.45 | $21.63 | $16.23 |
| 20% | $33.00 | $22.00 | $16.50 |
| 22% | $33.55 | $22.37 | $16.78 |
| 25% | $34.38 | $22.92 | $17.19 |
Mental math for a $55.00 bill
Ten percent of $55.00 is $5.50: just move the decimal point one place to the left. From there, 20% is double ($11.00), 15% is 10% plus half of 10% ($5.50 + $2.75 = $8.25), and 5% is half of 10% ($2.75). Round to the nearest dollar if that is easier; a tip of $11.00 instead of $11.00 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 $55.00 pre-tax bill is $11.88 instead of $11.00, about $0.88 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 $40, tip on $45, tip on $50, tip on $60, tip on $65, tip on $70. For any other amount or to round each share up to a whole dollar, use the tip calculator.